VARIETY is the spice of life, but trapeze training likely doesn’t feature on the bingo card of most pre-season organisers.
Certainly netball is played with two feet firmly planted on the ground 90 per cent of the time, however the aerial acrobatics could be classed as a metaphor regarding the road ahead.
“It exposed everything, and to be able to confront things, you have to take it one step at a time and just focus on what’s in front of you,” South Mildura coach Sally Moore said.
Team bonding and camaraderie were at the heart of the Listo Trapeze School experience, one of a myriad of activities the Bulldogs added to their off-season schedule.
Under recently installed A Grade coach Moore, the 2022 semi-finalists are set for a new look line-up, which meant players had to learn about new teammates.
“We’ve been involved in a whole range of activities, not just netball which has been great,” Moore said.
“With a late start it is actually quite a big build up to the season so I think it’s important to have some of that variety. The trapeze school which was so different but highly recommended.
“At that stage some of the group had only just met so it was a real bonding experience.
“Even just for individuals, with some confronting a fear of heights, it was something really rewarding and everyone showed a lot of courage to do it.”
South are in the midst of their selection period with the first of their trials held last Wednesday.
While incomings and outgoings are currently under wraps, Moore admits the 2023 A Grade outfit is likely to differ from the side that made the four last year.
Excitement levels, however, are running high through the club which has created a dynamic environment ahead of Round 1 against Irymple on April 22.
“The selection period has been really insightful and just getting into the job and watching them play, you get a real sense that everyone is genuinely excited about the year ahead,” Moore said.
“My job now is to make sure we can hold on to that no matter what is happening on the court. At the end of the day if the joy is there it will be imperative to what you are doing.
“It will be a very different looking line-up to last year. We’ll have some players returning and others who are new to the area who bring some new talent and skills that will be really beneficial to the team.
“It is going to be a good mix of experience and youth because we have some very strong under 17s coming up into that senior roles now and they will be adding a different energy to that senior group.”
Moore, who will juggle duties between being a mother of five, a business owner and netball coach said she hopes to bring out the best in her team.
“They are a very talented group of girls,” she said.
“South have always brought that, when I have played against them they were always competitive, very defensive and just growing in other key areas.”
