Dronfield replaced Ruth Aryang, who is continuing her rehabilitation from a knee injury which ruled her out of the competition.
Dronfield’s selection came off the back of a successful 2023 season, helping the Hamersley Comets to the club’s first Gold Industry Group WA Netball League Open Division Premiership, playing a crucial role in the defensive circle.
She made the most of the opportunity at ANC, appearing in all six games for the Fever Reserves, turning heads during the competition with 25 Gains and 19 Deflections.
This run of form included a starring role in the 63-57 win over the Victorian Fury, where Dronfield made four Intercepts and five Deflections.
Dronfield said the competition was a whirlwind and an experience she would cherish.
“It was a bit overwhelming at the start, it wasn't something that I'd expected to receive so I was just so grateful to have gotten that opportunity,” she said.
“To be around those girls was a really eye opening experience and something I don't think I will ever forget.”
The late call up to the team was something Dronfield believed worked in her favour.
“I went in with no expectations whatsoever. I wasn't expecting to get a lot of court time and when I found out that I was starting that first game, it was a bit of a surprise but I just went in and played quite freely,” she said.
“Having the combinations on court that we've been developing over the past two months with the team meant that I was pretty comfortable quite quickly.”
Fever Reserves Head Coach Guy Keane said Dronfield’s performance at the ANC was very impressive.
“Right from the first minute of our Round One match, Liz showed she was physically and mentally prepared for the championship,” he said.
“She was prepared to do her own job first to shut down any goal shooter she was matched up on and she also had the confidence to come off her direct opponent and win the ball.”
Thanks to her efforts in the ANC, Dronfield was the sole West Australian selected for the 17-athlete Australian 21/U Squad. which was picked from performances at the ANC.
The squad undertook a four-day training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport with players provided specialised coaching, match play and off court education.
Diamonds Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich was a guest speaker and talked about high performance preparation. She was joined by sports psychologists and wellbeing officers giving an emphasis on strength off the court.
Dronfield said the experience on and off the court helped her grow.
“The camp was insanely valuable, I can take the learnings and transfer them back to my GIG WANL environment and all other netball pathways,” she said.
“Being able to put those skills into practice and taking in the off court education as well meant I was able to shift my mindset and grow off the court as a leader and as a person, not just in netball.”
According to Keane, Dronfield was a great example of how putting in full effort at all times gave a platform for success when the time came.
“Liz’s resilience, hard work and dedication are all key to her individual development in training and allowed her to play with intent and a positive mindset even after setbacks,” he said.
“It is an amazing demonstration of how to take an opportunity and make the most of it when the timing is right.
“Her consistency and ability to work as a strong defensive unit is a key to why she was able to perform so well at ANC and gain selection in the 21U Australian Squad.”
Dronfield plans to take the experience of the ANC and the Australian 21/U Squad and channel it into a successful 2024.
“I want to set up a really successful GIG WANL season for our team off the back of last year,” she said.
“If we can go back-to-back, I think it's absolutely doable with the group that we've got, I’m really looking forward to setting that path.”
Article by Oliver Lane
