A FORMER Mildura athlete will make history with netball heavyweights Adelaide Thunderbirds.
Men’s netballer Aalen Davis has been selected as a training partner for the reigning Super Netball premiers, marking the first time in club history that a male athlete has been formally recognised in the role.
A national South Australian representative across multiple grades, the 21-year-old from Sunraysia is viewed as an emerging talent in the growing men’s game, and his selection is further proof of that.
In netball, training partners take part in pre-season and in-season sessions with the team, playing a vital role in providing support for the main squad.
Doing so in a professional environment could also do wonders for their own development.
From first playing netball in primary school age 12, Davis, a wing attack and goal attack who played for Garville in the inaugural South Australian men’s Super League last year, admitted he couldn’t have imagined his current position.
“(The Thunderbirds) have always invited the men to be part of what they do, but to be the first contracted male training partner is something that makes me happy and it’s a real honour to do so,” he said.
“We basically do everything the team does, except for play on the weekend.
“I got a heap of messages from the girls after it was confirmed, and I’ve become good friends with them over the past few years, so for them to be excited felt amazing.
“Heaps of my friends at home got in contact as well asking for all the details.”
The selection is viewed as an exciting step forward for the progression of men’s netball in South Australia and across the nation, helping provide visibility for the sport.
Davis said the standard of men’s netball has been increasing each year with some high-level athletes reaching state level and beyond.
That includes another former Sunraysia athlete, Jake Hederics, who has represented both Victoria and South Australia.
“I was playing in Mildura and a few years ago I found out about the state 17-and-under team and thought I’d love to have a go at that,” Davis said.
“Mum and Dad drove me to Adelaide and back to attend training and I was lucky enough to make the squad, but unfortunately being a COVID year in 2022 I didn’t get the chance to play.
“The year after I made the 23-and-under side and then the open men’s.”
The Southern Dragons, the SA men’s team, have played pre-season friendlies against the Thunderbirds for the past few seasons, which is where Davis caught the eye of the club.
“We have played the Thunderbirds a few times, usually during pre-season, and it’s always a great contest, no one takes a backwards step,” he said.
“Our nationals are in April while their season starts about the same time.
“About two years ago I played against them for the first time, but it was after last year they had messaged my coach and asked if I wanted to come out to training for the back half of the season.
“That was a great experience, and it’s led to this year being offered to be the first male training partner in the new year.”
Davis is set to compete in this year’s Australian Men’s & Mixed Netball Association National Championships at Melbourne’s State Netball Centre, between April 13 and 19.
He also has ambitions of breaking into the men’s national squad, the Kelpies.
“I’ve been lucky enough to make the Australian 20-and-under team in 2022 and the 23-and-under squad the next year, and was a training partner for the open team last year,” he said.
“I’d love to be able to make the squad, but being so young and there being so many great players there already, I know it won’t be easy.
“If I can make the 23-and-under side again I’d be really happy.”
The Adelaide Thunderbirds, under coach Tania Obst and captain Hannah Petty, will start their campaign for a third consecutive Super Netball title on April 5 against the Melbourne Vixens.
