Toby began his netball journey filling in for his sisters social team. Fast forward to 2024, he has been selected for numerous State teams, has made the Australian National Under 20 squad, signed his first GIG WANL playing contract and achieved his B Badge in umpiring.
Toby’s start in netball was somewhat accidental, his talent was recognised by a committee member for the West Coast Thunder that led to him trialling for both the State and National team. In his first year in the Under 17 team, Toby was the only representative from Western Australia, a daunting yet exciting experience.
“I didn’t even know there was men’s netball that played at a National level,” Toby said.
He went on to captain the side last year, as well as securing a Training Partner contract with the West Coast Warriors.
When trials came around in 2024, it was decided that although Toby still qualified for the Under 17 side, he should instead be playing up in the Under 20 team. The team competed at Nationals in April and won; an achievement Toby is very proud of.
“That was the best feeling ever, to do it with that team, with those boys,” he said.
“I was then picked as the Goal Shooter for the All-Star Seven squad for that tournament, and a few weeks later I got the call that I was selected in the Australian Under 20s squad who will be going to Singapore in December.”
If his accomplishments as a player weren’t enough, Toby also has earnt B Badge in umpiring, a skill he picked up quickly.
“I had refereed basketball at a pretty high level so I thought I should just help out and give it a go,” Toby said.
During the 2024 North West Championships, after handling the pressure of a division one game, Toby was awarded his B Badge.
“It all happened really fast; I progressed faster in umpiring I think because of my experience in Basketball.”
Like many dual players and umpires, Toby said his involvement in both has helped his skills develop as an athlete and official.
“At Nationals, I understood the pressure those umpires were under, they’re being watched as much as us, and it makes me more cautious of my movements as a player,” he said.
