2018 Suncorp Super Netball Preliminary Final Program

THE FINALS ARE HERE PRELIMINARY FINAL SUN 19 AUG 2018, SYDNEY

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CONTENTS 1

Welcome from Suncorp

11 Where It’ll Be Won

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Welcome from Netball Australia

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2018 Australia Post One Netball Community Awards Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion

16

Sue Gaudion

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Trivia Zone

3 Preliminary Final 4

GIANTS v Lightning

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GIANTS v Lightning Team Stats

9 2018 Suncorp Super Netball

Player Stats

KEEP IN CONTACT /SUPERNETBALL

@SUPERNETBALL

@SUPERNETBALL

WELCOME FROM SUNCORP As Netball Australia’s principal partner, we are thrilled to bring you the Suncorp Super Netball Finals Series, the pinnacle of the season for our much-loved competition.

Netball has one of the highest rates of sports participation, and at Suncorp we’re proud of the role we play in supporting the game from the grassroots level, to the heights of professional competition.

We want to see the Suncorp Super Netball competition continuing to grow and attract new fans as the matches are broadcast into millions of homes each season, allowing all Australians to watch these sporting stars in action.

Whether you are a participant or spectator, netball has always been an inclusive sport, where players are role models for younger generations.

For years, the sport has brought families together every weekend to play and watch – inspiring girls and women to pursue their ambitions confidently. Suncorp Super Netball is one way we continue to inspire young Australians to strive, excel and succeed – on and off the court.

Suncorp also partners with Netball Australia to deliver the #TeamGirls program. #TeamGirls aims to build a nation of confident girls and we champion the importance of participation in sport.

Congratulations to all the Suncorp Super Netball teams on a successful 2018 season.

Good luck to this year’s finalists and we look forward to continuing our support for this competition and this important and exciting sport.

MICHAEL CAMERON Suncorp CEO and Managing Director

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WELCOME FROM NETBALL AUSTRALIA After two thrilling semi-finals we are now down to three clubs and this Sunday GIANTS Netball will welcome reigning champions Sunshine Coast Lightning for a chance to meet the West Coast Fever in the 2018 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final.

It was a captivating minor semi-final, with the Lighting edging out the Queensland Firebirds. In the major semi-final, the Fever earned the Grand Final home court advantage after an impressive win on the road against the GIANTS. With last year’s grand finalists featuring in the preliminary final, we are in for a thrilling clash this Sunday.

This weekend will also be New South Wales fans last chance to say farewell to retiring champion Susan Pettitt and midcourt ace Serena Guthrie who has made the call to return to England at the end of 2018.

If the semi-finals are anything to go by, I’m sure both clubs will be putting it all on the line to keep their championship hopes alive in the preliminary final.

Those that can’t make the match can tune into Channel 9 or the Netball Live app to watch all the action unfold.

A huge thanks to our Principal Partners, Suncorp and the AIS, Broadcast Partners Nine and Telstra and the great family of League and Club partners, including Major Partners Nissan, Cadbury, Samsung and Deakin.

You share our vision of making the league, clubs and athletes household names, and have been there every step of the way to propel netball into the future.

We look forward to an exciting preliminary final and wish the clubs and their fans the very best of luck.

MARNE FECHNER Chief Executive Officer, Netball Australia

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M I L RE

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ST M AE NEY P 1 RING 18 YD 0 S W 2 , , O A T B S AREN & JOSH UGU K A N 9 1 A B : RD DATE QUDOS E PHIPPA LL U E: VEN S: MICHE IRE UMP

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GIANTS V LIGHTNING

LAST TIME THEY MET If the Suncorp Super Netball preliminary final between GIANTS Netball and the Sunshine Coast Lightning is anything like their last clash in Round 8, hold onto your hats.

A one-sided start, a dogged comeback, a goalfor-goal final-quarter arm wrestle, a major error of judgement and a goal on the final whistle made for one of the most thrilling games of the season, with the teams fighting out a 53-53 draw.

The GIANTS looked like adding a second win over the Lightning to their Round 1 grand final revenge, when they piled on the goals in the first half to establish an eight-goal lead.

But the Lightning grafted their way back into the contest, tying the scores late in the third quarter and then trading blows with the GIANTS throughout the final 15 minutes.

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When Jo Harten netted a goal to put her side ahead 52-51 inside the last two minutes and the GIANTS then forced a turnover from the Lightning, they looked to ice the game by playing the ball around to maintain possession.

But the tactic backfired spectacularly when they coughed up possession and the Lightning made them pay, tying proceedings once more.

Harten scored again from the next centre pass to give the GIANTS a one-goal edge, leaving the Lightning with 10 seconds to make one more charge. A last-ditch lob to Lightning goal shooter Caitlin Bassett drew a contact, allowing the Samsung Diamonds captain to net the leveller after the final whistle to put an exclamation mark on one of the games of the season.

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KIM GREEN DOB: 05/03/1986 HEIGHT: 177CM POSITIONS: WA, C @Kimmygee8 @Kimmygee8

KIERA AUSTIN DOB: 26/08/1997 HEIGHT: 185CM POSITIONS: GA, GS @kiera_austin

KRISTINA BRICE DOB: 09/07/1994 HEIGHT: 196CM POSITIONS: GS @kristina_brice @Bricey94

BEC BULLEY DOB: 18/8/1982 HEIGHT: 186CM POSITIONS: GD, GK @becbulley @becbulley

SERENA GUTHRIE DOB: 05/01/1990 HEIGHT: 177CM POSITIONS: WD, C @SerenaBob @SerenaBob

JO HARTEN DOB: 21/03/1989 HEIGHT: 188CM POSITIONS: GS, GA @JoHarten @Jarten

KRISTIANA MANU’A DOB: 03/09/1995 HEIGHT: 182CM POSITIONS: GK, GD, WD @KristianaManua @KristianaManua

SUSAN PETTITT DOB: 23/03/1984 HEIGHT: 180CM POSITIONS: GA, GS @SusanPettitt @SusanPettitt

SAM POOLMAN DOB: 04/03/1991 HEIGHT: 189CM POSITIONS: GK, GD @spoolman @SamPoolman 6

JAMIE-LEE PRICE DOB: 10/01/1996 HEIGHT: 179CM POSITIONS: WD, C @jamielee_price @jamieleeprice_x

JULIE FITZGERALD Head Coach

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GEVA MENTOR DOB: 17/09/1984 HEIGHT: 190CM POSITIONS: GK, GD @GevaMentor @GevaMentor

CAITLIN BASSETT DOB: 23/05/1988 HEIGHT: 193CM POSITIONS: GS @C_Bass_ Netball @CBassNetball

KELSEY BROWNE DOB: 17/01/1992 HEIGHT: 164CM POSITIONS: WA, C @KelseyBrowne_ @KelseBrowne

CARA KOENEN DOB: 27/02/1996 HEIGHT: 190CM POSITIONS: GS, GA @CaraKoenen

MADELINE McAULIFFE DOB: 05/12/1994 HEIGHT: 180CM POSITIONS: C, WD @maddymcauliffe

ERENA MIKAERE DOB: 09/07/1988 HEIGHT: 193CM POSITIONS: GK, GD @ErenaMikaere @ErenaMikaere

KARLA PRETORIUS DOB: 12/03/1990 HEIGHT: 181CM POSITIONS: GD, WD @mostertkarlaa @karlamostert

JACQUI RUSSELL DOB: 01/06/1988 HEIGHT: 176CM POSITIONS: WD, C @jac_russell

LAURA SCHERIAN DOB: 26/06/1988 HEIGHT: 167CM POSITIONS: WA, C

STEPH WOOD DOB: 28/11/1991 HEIGHT: 175CM POSITIONS: GA, WA @SJWood91 @WoodsJ91

NOELINE TAURUA Head Coach

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GIANTS V LIGHTNING

TEAM STATS RECENT ENCOUNTERS

V RD 8: 2018

RD 1: 2018

53/53

GF: 2017

54/51

RD 14: 2017

65/48

56/55

TEAM STATS TEAM

GOALS FOR

GOALS AGAINST

GAIN

W-L-D

841

776

164

10-3-1

809

752

183

8-5-1

87% GOAL

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89% GOAL

2018 SUNCORP SUPER NETBALL

PLAYER STATS 2018 REGULAR SEASON

MOST OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS

61

Romelda Aiken

Queensland Firebirds

MOST GOAL ASSISTS

426

Melbourne Vixens

Courtney Bruce West Coast Fever

357

Madi Robinson Magpies Netball

MOST GOAL ATTEMPTS

Jhaniele Fowler West Coast Fever

MOST DEFLECTIONS

102

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MOST CENTRE PASS RECEIVES

Liz Watson

MOST GOALS

783

MOST DEFENSIVE REBOUNDS

846

Jhaniele Fowler West Coast Fever

MOST INTERCEPTS

Geva Mentor

Sunshine Coast Lightning

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Karla Pretorius

Sunshine Coast Lightning

ALL TIME LEADERS MOST OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS: (137)

Romelda Aiken

Queensland Firebirds MOST GOAL ASSISTS: (714)

Liz Watson

Melbourne Vixens MOST GOALS: (1144)

Caitlin Thwaites Magpies Netball

MOST DEFLECTIONS: (192)

Geva Mentor

Sunshine Coast Lightning

MOST DEFENSIVE REBOUNDS: (67)

Geva Mentor

Sunshine Coast Lightning MOST CENTRE PASS RECEIVES: (666)

Madi Robinson Magpies Netball

MOST GOAL ATTEMPTS: (1330)

Romelda Aiken

Queensland Firebirds MOST INTERCEPTS: (90)

Sharni Layton

Magpies Netball

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WHERE IT’LL BE WON How do you split two clubs who could barely be split during the regular season?

With stars at every position, GIANTS Netball and the Sunshine Coast Lightning are about as evenly matched as two teams could possibly be, and their results this season – a three-goal GIANTS victory and a 53-53 draw – bear that out.

While it might seem counterintuitive to suggest the result will hinge on whether one team can keep the other’s defensive unit quiet, that’s the task in front of the GIANTS’ attacking quartet.

Can they curb the influence of Lightning goal keeper Geva Mentor and goal defence Karla Pretorius?

When the teams met in Round 1, Mentor managed just two defensive gains, while Pretorius had four in the three-goal loss. In Round 8, however, the pair had a combined 11 gains against the GIANTS, including seven across the second and third quarters as they hauled their team back from eight goals down and into the lead.

The mobile pairing of Jo Harten and Susan Pettitt presents a very different assignment to what the Lightning face against the likes of Jhaniele Fowler and Romelda Aiken, and if the GIANTS can use that movement to keep the ball out of the air and limit the opportunities for Mentor and Pretorius to do what they do best, it’ll go a long way to determining the result.

It’s a hard ask to maintain that level of discipline for four quarters, but under Suncorp Super Netball finals pressure, that’s what it’s going to take.

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EVENT SCHEDULE 27 - 28 OCTOBER 2018

SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER Game Match Start 1 1:45pm 2 2:30pm 3 3:15pm 4 4:00pm 5 4:45pm 6 5:30pm 7 6:15pm 8 7:00pm 9 7:45pm

Team 1

Team 2

AUS RSA NZL AUS ENG NZL JAM ENG AUS

MAL JAM ENG JAM MAL RSA MAL RSA NZL

SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER Game Match Team 1 Team 2 Start 10 12:15pm MAL RSA 11 1:00pm AUS ENG 12 1:45pm NZL JAM 13 2:30pm AUS RSA 14 3:15pm NZL MAL 15 4:00pm JAM ENG 4:40pm – 5:00pm ENTERTAINMENT 16 5:15pm Play-off for 5th/6th 17 6:05pm Play-off for 3rd/4th 18 6:55pm GRAND FINAL 7:40pm PRESENTATIONS

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2018 AUSTRALIA POST ONE NETBALL COMMUNITY AWARDS CELEBRATE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Australia Post and Netball Australia are pleased to announce the eight winners of the 2018 Australia Post One Netball Community Awards for their dedication to creating diverse and inclusive netball environments.

Netball Australia CEO, Marne Fechner, said the Awards, now in their fifth year, are designed to celebrate the individuals, clubs and associations who are making a genuine difference in ensuring everyone, regardless of background or ability is welcome in netball.

“This year’s winners are inspiring examples of the ethos of the Awards and demonstrate the power of passionate clubs and associations breaking down barriers and bringing people together.

“The winners this year have been recognised for creating inclusion opportunities for people with a disability, multicultural, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and remotely located communities, and people experiencing socio-economic hardship,” Fechner said.

Australia Post General Manager of Marketing and Community, Andrea Pearman, said the quality of nominations was once again exceptional.

“The stories that we see each year of the wonderful diversity and inclusion work being done right across Australia reinforces the importance of these Awards in celebrating the power of sport to help communities work better for everyone.

“We congratulate all eight amazing winners for their passion and commitment to their local communities. These individuals, clubs and associations are leading by example and we hope by recognising them through these Awards that others will also be inspired,” she said.

Each winner will receive a visit from an Australia Post One Netball Ambassador where they’ll be presented with an Australia Post Load&Go Visa Prepaid Gift Card, a netball signed by the 2018 Samsung Australian Diamonds team and Certificate from the Australia Post One Netball Program.

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Diamonds Head Coach and newly appointed Australia Post One Netball Ambassador, Lisa Alexander, said the Awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous work being done by the netball family in the broader community.

“These Awards highlight the power of netball and what it can do to transform communities all over Australia. Often the first touch point for anyone looking to participate in netball, these inclusion champions are creating a welcoming environment for anyone to enjoy the game we love.

“These attributes are fundamental at all levels of netball and something we strive to create within the Diamonds squad. The Award winners are truly inspirational, and I commend them for their contribution to the sport,” Alexander said.

The winners of the 2018 Australia Post One Netball Community Awards are: • • • • • • • •

Emily Higgins, East Brighton Vampires Netball Club, Victoria Port Lincoln Netball Association, South Australia Lisa McGee, North Nowra Bomaderry Netball Club, New South Wales Jamee Star, Mana Netball Club, New South Wales Denise French, Nambour & Districts Netball Association, Queensland Niketa Loftus, Craigieburn Netball Association, Victoria Adele Simmons, Wheatbelt Flames, Western Australia Southern Districts Netball Association, Western Australia

For more information on Australia Post One Netball please visit onenetball.org.au

onenetball.org.au 15

SUE GAUDION

NETBALL COACH AND MEDIA PERSONALITY What has been your view on the 2018 season?

I have been pleasantly surprised by the increase in the standard of competitiveness across the board.

How do you think the new-look Samsung Diamonds will go in the international season?

Kim Jenner from the Firebirds has been a standout player. She certainly shocked me more than any other player, who was she? I had no idea. Then all of a sudden she was blistering on the court. She is going to have a big career.

I think there will be a new-found hunger in everything they do. I don't believe the Diamonds will want the embarrassment of the Commonwealth Games loss to linger too long.

That environment and standard will rise to a new level. The expectations of the players and the players' expectations of themselves will change significantly and we will see a re-invigorated Diamonds.

Which team stood out for you and for what reason?

SAMSUNG DIAMONDS TICKETS HERE

Who have been your standout players?

From a positive standpoint, West Coast going from second last in 2017 to hosting a grand final is just huge and shows massive character.

Conversely, I think the Magpies not playing finals with the calibre of players they have is pretty disappointing.

What is the major talking point of the season for you?

The Magpies again. I think we expected huge things from them in 2017 and whilst they made the finals, the expectation was that they would deliver more in 2018. They are further back than in 2017, which was a huge shock. Week-in, week-out we expected them to do something and it just didn't happen.

QA +

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GIRLS SHOULD “ MORE PLAY NETBALL. IT GIVES

ME SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO AND WORK HARD FOR. - Lilly

“

You can help girls like Lilly achieve their dreams.

The Confident Girls Foundation provides opportunities to help vulnerable Australian girls to thrive.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: www.confidentgirls.com.au @ConfidentGirlsFoundation

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E N O Z A I V I R T s id

Quiz for the K 1.

What is a netball court divided into?

SELECT THE ODD ONE OUT

a. Quarters b. Thirds c. Halves d. It isn’t divided

1.

Obstruction, Contact, Stepping, Replay, Foul, Offside

2.

GS, GK, WA, WS, WD, C, GA, GS

3.

Liz Ellis, Keeley Devery, Anne Sargeant, Catherine Cox, Sharelle McMahon, Sue Gaudion

4.

Caitlin Bassett, Tegan Philip, Caitlin Thwaites, Renae Ingles, Kate Moloney, Lisa Alexander

2. How does a game of netball start? a.

b.

c. d.

Players count to three and then pass the ball The centre who has the ball throws it when they’re ready By the umpire blowing a whistle It changes every time

3. Who is the Goal Shooters (GS) opposing player? a. b. c. d.

Goal Keeper (GK) Goal Attack (GA) Wing Attack (WA) Wing Defence (WD)

4. Which positions are allowed in the goal circle? a. b. c. d.

GS only GS, GA, GD, GK GS, GA, WA GS, GA, GK

5. Centre is allowed to run along the whole court including the goal circles? a. True b. False

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WHO AM I?

For the parents

Points

I am a former Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder, state and national representative

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I got my first big break when I was appointed head coach of the Singapore national team for the 1999 World Netball Championships in New Zealand

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I returned to Australia to coach the Western Australian Under 21’s state team in 2005, to their first national championship victory in 33 years

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I was then elevated to head coach of the Perth Orioles in the National Netball League

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In 2008 I led the West Coast Fever in the inaugural season of Trans-Tasman League

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In 2009 I was appointed as the assistant coach of the Australian Institute of Sport netball program.

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I am a key member of the Channel 9 netball commentary team covering the Suncorp Super Netball.

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Quiz Answers: 1) b, 2) c, 3) a, 4) b, 5) b Select the odd one out: 1) Foul, 2) WS, 3) Keeley Devery, 4) Lisa Alexander Who am I? Sue Gaudion

MEET YOUR NETSETGO AMBASSADORS Kristiana Manu’a - GIANTS Netball Age: 22 Position: GK, GD, WD

When did you start playing netball?

I started playing when I was 10.

Why did you start playing netball?

I started because my mum played and then signed my sister and I up Why do you love netball?

I love netball because I love the sport, how competitive it is and playing with my best mates.

What’s your favourite netball tip/trick/drill?

My favourite drill is 3 v 3, because it makes you work really hard but also gives you a chance to work with your other two team mates.

Kelsey Browne - Sunshine Coast Lightning Age: 26 Position: WA, C

When did you start playing netball?

I started playing netball at 5 years of age in prep. I don’t think I touched the ball in my whole first season.

Why did you start playing netball?

I started playing because my sister had already been playing for a few seasons and it looked like a lot of fun! My parents were driving her so I thought I may as well get involved. I think I loved the sport as soon as I got on that court.

What’s your favourite netball tip?

I love doing any ball handling drills or cone work. You get to work really hard and test your touch on the ball when you’re tired.

Who was your sporting hero when you were a child?

My sporting hero has always been my sister (Madi Robinson).

She showed me that it can be done and I always love watching her play and seeing her craft.

Find your nearest centre at netsetgo.asn.au

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proud supporters of women in sport

Geva Mentor Gilbert Ambassador

Kim Ravaillion Gilbert Ambassador

proud supporters of Suncorp Super Netball

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Caitlin Bassett wears Gel Netburner Professional FF

rebelsport.com

THANKS TO OUR SUNCORP SUPER NETBALL PARTNERS PRINCIPAL

MAJOR

ASSOCIATE

BROADCAST

CHARITY

Let’s Target at least 30 minutes of heart-rate raising physical activity a day.

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