Parker hits new heights for Red Cliffs

CONFIDENCE can do wonders for players’ performances, and it’s certainly taking young Red Cliffs netballer Jazmin Parker to new heights in the SFNL A Grade competition.

The strongly built goal shooter, who turned 18 last week, is also learning how to use her body to be a more effective netballer in attack.

Parker has already reaped the rewards of her off-season improvements by starring for the Tigers in their thrilling 41-all opening-round draw with a never-say-die Imperials at Quandong Park on Saturday.

She had a shot for the win as time was about to laps, but the ball failed to go through the ring before the final siren.

Parker was a bit harsh on herself when reflecting on the final passage on play during an interview on Monday.

“The pressure really got to me in the end,” the Mildura Senior College student said.

“People on the sideline were yelling out at me to get the ball and shoot, but I didn’t make it in time.

“I saw the umpire rule it out but (coach) Chantal (Allford) came up to me and she thought it was a goal. But hey, we came away with a draw. It’s better than a loss.”

The youngster should be proud of her four-quarter effort where she drained 40 of her team’s 41 goals.

Her attacking partner, GA Robie Cope, recognised Parker had a hot hand and played a good support role.

“That wasn’t the plan initially but it seemed to work out pretty well,” Parker said.

“It’s not going to work, though, if I get double-teamed in the future.”

In relation to her own development as a player, Parker said she had been mentored well by the likes of former Tigers coach Steph O’Loughlin and Allford in how to be more dominant under the ring.

“I used to move way too much and I’ve been taught to stand and use my body strength more,” Parker said.

“There’s no doubt I’ve improved a lot since last year, especially with my confidence and how to out-body my opponent.

“Also, I have to do that because I don’t have the speed,” she added with a laugh.

The new-look Red Cliffs team showed they could be knocking on the door of finals this year.

It’s a long way from the club’s struggles when they went 2891 days without a win before that horror run was broken on May 7 last year.

The Tigers ended up with a 4-11 win-loss record in 2022 but Parker is tipping the team will improve even more this season.

“We’ve been working really hard on the court and on certain plays in the pre-season,” she said.

“I think we’ll get a few more wins than last year.

“We basically have a brand new side this year, except for me, (centre) Jacqulyn (Bell) and (veteran defender) Yelena (Richardson).

“The signs are really good for us.”