Western Australia’s 17U and 19U State Teams will unfortunately no longer be travelling to Hobart for the 2021 National Netball Championships following a difficult decision by Netball Australia to cancel the event due to the national coronavirus situation.
Netball Australia said the decision was made based on the relevant health advice, with the safety of all participants and the wider community the priority.
The event was due to be held at Hobart Netball and Sports Centre, with WA’s teams set to depart Perth on Sunday, July 4 and play seven games each plus finals across six days of competition.
WA Umpires Bethan Duffill and Arnah Mallon were also selected to officiate at the National Championships by Netball Australia.
The 17U team, coached by ex-Orioles player Samantha Lee, includes the younger sister of West Coast Fever star Sunday Aryang, Ruth Aryang, and talented athlete Georgie Cleaver, who has also represented WA at basketball and football.
“It has been an absolute privilege of both myself and Julie to coach such a talented and professional group of girls. It is a shame that they haven’t shown the country how good they truly are.” Sam said.
“Knowing these girls, they will use this experience and disappointment to grow as better netballers both physically and mentally. I am sure in the future they will get to wear the black and gold and they will value it even more. “
The 19U team, coached by Nicole Prothero, features Sophie Eastaugh, the daughter of former Essendon and Fremantle AFL ruckman Simon Eastaugh, as well as talented water polo player Emma Putt, whose brother Tim is in the Australian water polo squad.
“My heart is heavy for all involved from the athletes, coaching staff, managers, umpires, medical staff, administration team and parents and I am honoured to have worked with these amazing athletes and support staff.” Nicky stated.
“The team was looking forward to rewarding you all and showing the best version of themselves in wearing the yellow and black. This team have learnt a lot of great lessons – resilience, strength of teamwork, friendships and motivation focussed on the one goal. These strengths will help us overcome any hurdles and the lessons put us in good stead for the next opportunity.”
“I have no doubt that the talent in this playing group will have their opportunities to shine in the future.”
West Australian high jump representative Madison Gauntlett, who competed in the National Athletics Championships in Sydney, is also a member of the 19U Team.
WAIS Athletes in the State Teams include Cleo Kenny, Abbey Hicks, Emma Putt and Ruth Aryang.
WA TEAM LISTS
Netball Australia Executive General Manager Performance, Stacey West, said it was a difficult but necessary decision to cancel the event.
“This is certainly not the position we hoped to be in, and we can only imagine the disappointment and frustration of our players, coaches and umpires,” West said.
“I’d like to thank Netball Tasmania, who have worked so hard to deliver an exceptional event experience, only to have the event cancelled for the second consecutive year.”
“Unfortunately, the unpredictability and instability of the coronavirus pandemic isn’t going away and our priority is always the safety of our participants.”
Netball Australia, in partnership with Member Organisations, will now explore options and confirm the approach to enable the ongoing talent development and identification process for 2021 pathway program participants.
