VANESSA Power still feels a bit like a fish out of water on the netball court.
But the basketballer-turned-netballer looked right at home on Saturday, executing a stellar performance during Irymple’s 19-goal win over Robinvale Euston.
While the wet conditions were less than ideal for Power, who isn’t yet used to having to battle the elements on an outdoor court, she was able to make the most of the opportunities in a slower contest.
“It was definitely a new experience for me playing outside in the rain, but I really think that we actually gelled really well,” she said.
“Obviously we weren’t able to play to our strength with our speed, but it was probably good slowing us down a little bit, particularly me so I can try and put in place some things Sherrie (Geister) has taught me.”
Power described her transition from basketball to netball as “a bit weird”, and is still getting used to the flow of the game, as well as the umpiring style, by has been well supported by her teammates and coach in Geister.
“It’s very different to basketball,” she said. “Basketball is a forward game, and I just feel like (netball) is slightly backwards for me.
“At the start I was probably going a bit more off instinct, but Shezz has really worked with me trying to turn me into a netballer, and I am really trying to put some stuff in place that she has taught me.
“I still feel slightly out of sorts wearing a netball dress and playing outside, but I think it is probably coming a little bit more naturally each week,” she said.
Heading into the back half of the season, Power said she is feeling confident the Swallows will be among the ladder leaders come finals.
“We dropped a couple of games early that we shouldn’t have, which has probably really affected our ladder position,” she said.
“But I also think it is good to have those early losses that build character a little bit.
“Obviously I despise loosing a lot, and Shezz and I have that in common, so those really cut us pretty deep.
“But I think it was good to have those and learn from them, and hopefully we can get those wins in the second half of the season.”
As the round 10 Netballer of the Round, Power receives $150 from Mildura Golf Resort.
