WENTWORTH netball star Courtney Wakefield says the Roos know it is important to not get comfortable in their winning streak as they head into the second half of the SFNL A Grade season.
The Roos, who haven’t lost a game since the 2019 grand final, proved they are the team to beat this year after overcoming Mildura, who had also been undefeated this season before their clash.
Wakefield, this week’s Netballer of the Week, was impressive in defence against the Demons and said it was a “hotly contested” match that felt “closer than the scoreboard suggested”.
The goal defender, who returned to Wentworth’s A Grade squad this season after retiring from the AFLW, said despite her team’s winning streak, the girls weren’t taking their wins for granted.
“We come out every week knowing every team is going to propose a challenge for us,” she said.
“We don’t settle for where we are at the moment, there are still improvements that we can make and we go to training with that mentality.
“Heading into the second half there is still plenty of work for us to do.”
Wakefield said hard work had been key to the players’ success, as well as individuals stepping up.
“Amanda (Edwards) as our coach is a great leader and we have some great leaders on the team and throughout our whole program,” she said.
“Everyone leads in different ways and in different moments different leaders have to step up and it’s exciting we can do that during the season.”
Wakefield said the core group of the A Grade side had been together since the 2017 premiership, with new additions slotting in nicely on the court.
She said it had felt great to return to the family-orientated club with her two children after fulfilling her childhood dream of playing footy.
“There are some really good friendships and some amazing new friendships formed so it has been really nice,” she said.
“I am a big believer there is no place like home.”
IN THE CHANGEROOM:
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your football/netball career?
Probably my mum and dad. Mum is a fantastic netballer and dad a great footballer.
Who is your funniest teammate?
I have to say Nat Vercher. I spend a lot of my court time with her.
What’s your biggest pre-game superstition?
I have a couple. It is always pasta and red wine the night before and then it is always a bottle of Hydralyte the day of.
Favourite movie?
Friday Night Lights
Last TV series you binge-watched on a streaming service?
Yellowstone
What’s your go-to music before playing sport?
My daughter’s favourite at the moment is Believer by Imagine Dragons, it is going to have to be that one.
Your worst habit?
Not talking on court.
If you were down to your last $10, what would you spend it on?
Probably a pot of beer.
