WENTWORTH captain-coach Amanda Edwards says the cancellation of the Sunraysia Football Netball League season was “heartbreaking” for her side, but remained thankful for the work her side put in over the year.
Edwards said the side knew there was a chance the season could be cancelled, but decided to keep “pushing” at training until they heard the final word.
“It’s just devastating and I’m gutted at the moment,” said Edwards of the announcement.
“There was one thing that we were all looking forward to this season.”
Wentworth played this season with the goal of making amends for their grand final loss in 2019. Along the way they were on track to improve on their performance from 2019, when they finished with 14 wins, one loss and a draw.
The side went through the 2021 season undefeated.
Despite the remarkable play on the court, Edwards acknowledged uncertainty throughout the year had been hard for her.
“It’s probably been one of the most difficult seasons I’ve played, in any sport,” she said.
Wentworth were able to show resilience, however, displaying consistent intensity, something Edwards said other sides had noticed.
“(We were) hearing comments from other teams after the game, saying ‘I loved how you guys just kept pushing on and didn’t stop’.
“No one ever stopped. Everyone just kept trying. And that’s what I loved (about this year). We just kept pushing each week; we didn’t stop until that final whistle was blown.
“We played every quarter and every minute to our fullest. So I’m very proud of that.”
Edwards said one of the team’s biggest gains was the strong friendships they’d developed.
“(If there’s something we) can take from this year, (it’s) the bond that we’ve created, and hopefully we can continue that next year.”
“We’ve been lucky enough to actually play during the season — to play netball.
“Credit to all the girls. They kept positive right till the end.”
