SHE is overseeing a team who are “The Invincibles” of Sunraysia netball, but Amanda Edwards is also widely regarded as the region’s best netballer.
Playing in a team of stars makes it tough to win individual honours.
Last year, the dental nurse was automatic at the offensive end, draining shots like she was flossing well-maintained teeth.
But she narrowly fell short of winning the Horkings Medal as the league’s best after teammates such as gun defender Nat Vercher, fellow shooter Lizzie Rowe and the versatile Christie Becker picked up votes from her during the season.
Edwards says she doesn’t play for individual awards though: it’s all about the team for her.
And what a team she has helped to build in recent years.
The last time they tasted defeat was in the 2019 A Grade grand final.
The pandemic robbed the Roos of more flags but they won last year’s decider in thrilling fashion against arch rivals Ouyen United.
This year, the Roos’ dominance has gone up a notch.
Their average winning margin is 39.7 points after 12 rounds.
A key cog in this continued success has been Edwards, who at 36 is in the twilight of her netball career.
As with any champion player, she keeps working hard at her game.
After her team thrashed Robinvale Euston 76-21 on the weekend, Edwards gave an insight into how she tried to stay a step ahead of the next generation of netball stars.
She said that aside from running the Roos’ training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday nights, she also went to the gym 3-4 times a week at Thrive Fitness Mildura.
“I do strength work, as well as some high-intensity training,” she said.
“Working on my core strength is really important after having two kids.
“When you’re getting pushed while going up for the ball and taking on a defender, you need to be strong and have good core strength to out-body your opponent.
“These young girls who are coming into A Grade now are really good, and it’s half the reason why I’ve got to do extra stuff.
“They are getting a lot stronger and they are quick as well so I need to keep myself physically and mentally sharp.”
She said she was “very proud” of her team’s winning run but “it doesn’t come easy”.
“The girls work really hard,” Edwards said.
“They all do extra work outside of our two netball training sessions a week.”
As for the biggest threats to the Roos’ flag defence, she said: “The top six is highly contested this year.
“Mildura are a really good young side and you can’t count out Ouyen, even after their slow start to the season.
“They have some great experience.
“Irymple are another really good young side and they’ll keep improving.
“It’s not going to be easy for us.”
Asked how many years she had left in the A Grade ranks, she jokingly said: “If you asked my husband it wouldn’t be too many more.
“But I really enjoy playing with this team.
“Our culture is awesome.
“We train hard and play hard but the friendships we make along the way are really special.
“I tell the girls all the time that these sorts of teams don’t come around very often, and when they do, you need to enjoy every minute of it.”
In the changeroom … with Amanda Edwards
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your netball career?
My mum. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have got into netball
Who is your funniest teammate?
Christie Becker. She’s a great personality in our team
What’s your biggest pre-game superstition?
Spag bol and a glass of red wine the night before a game. Just one, though (laughs)
Favourite food?
Italian
Favourite movie?
Any of the Harry Potters
Last TV series you binge-watched on a streaming service?
The Vampire Diaries
What’s your go-to music before playing sport?
Anything that pumps me up. Definitely Beyonce
Your worst habit?
My husband will tell you it is putting the washing in the machine and forgetting about it
If you were down to your last $10, what would you spend it on?
Coffee. That is essential in a mum’s life (laughs)
*** As the SFNL netballer of the round, Edwards receives $100 courtesy of Mildura Golf Resort and Fairways Bistro.
