ONE of the most fascinating match-ups of the 2024 SFNL A Grade netball season will come in round 8, when two-time defending champions Wentworth clash with Irymple.
The clash will see two of Mildura basketball’s greatest players, Amanda Edwards (nee Hederics) and Vanessa Power, duke it out on opposing teams.
The pair’s great mateship continues today, long after their Mildura Heat playing days.
Power retired from competitive basketball last year and will link with the Swallows alongside another former Heat teammate, Bronte Pezzaniti.
It will be a massive challenge for both Power and Pezzaniti – and one which Edwards, who became an elite netballer, gave an insight into before a Roos training session last week.
“Both Ness and Bronte are fierce competitors,” Edwards said.
“I know Ness hasn’t played netball for many years, but I’m confident she’ll be preparing herself well for the switch.
“The challenge for her and Bronte will be around footwork. They’ll want to run on, like you do in basketball, but obviously you’ll be pulled up for overstepping in netball.
“Ness is my best mate. I would have loved for her to be playing with us, but you can’t have everything, can you? I’m really looking forward to the battle against her.”
In a recent interview with Sunraysia Daily, Power, who last played netball for Imperials just over a decade ago, said she expected the stepping rule to be one of her most difficult adjustments.
“I step a lot, apparently, so I think probably my footwork is something that I will have to really concentrate on,” she said.
“Contact will be one as well, but people used to think I travelled in basketball, so I’m screwed.”
The Roos’ ranks have been bolstered for their three-peat hunt by the return of 2022 premiership player Emily Hosking.
Edwards gave an ominous warning for rivals ahead of next month’s opening round.
“I think we have room for improvement, both individually and as a team,” she said.
“I can’t fault our work ethic or intensity, but whether it’s on or off the court, there’s always things we can do better.”
