NETBALL

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

 

NETBALL Victoria’s Gippsland Showcase arrives this weekend, with plenty on offer for the entire family during the two-day event.

The central attraction for the Gippsland netball community will be the opportunity to see the Gippsland Stars Championship side hit the court for the first time at Gippsland Regional Sports Stadium (GRISS).

Exhibition matches for the local Victoria Netball League club, from Championship level through to 17 and Under, will feature in matches against fellow VNL clubs Casey Demons and Peninsula Waves.

Suncorp Super Netball franchise Melbourne Mavericks will also arrive on Saturday for an opening training session in front of the Gippsland crowd, followed by a signing session for fans to meet some of the best players in the country.

It was also recently announced that the Victorian state teams (19/U and 17/U) will be joined by South Australia and New Zealand development team Waikato Bay of Plenty for practice games as well.

Second-year Gippsland Stars 23/U gem Anna Solomon is looking forward to seeing all that Netball Victoria has to offer for its regional fans, as well as exposing the opportunities on display for aspiring Gippsland juniors.

“It’s nice to have the VNL in Gippsland because that’s never really played in Gippsland… talking to the girls about it and the team, it’s just nice to have that presence here again,” she said.

“With the SSN (Suncorp Super Netball) being present as well, it’s hard to dream of something if you can’t see it, so it’s good to have that in front of you.

“When we had the Gippsland games here (last year), a lot of young girls came, which I think is the best part about it because when I was that age, I didn’t really see the pathway that much or, I guess, because it wasn’t in my face as much (so) I didn’t really know about it.

“Having the Mavericks here… having the training session and the signings will be really good because, especially for them as an elite team, again showing that can be the next step that you want to take and keep going if you want to be serious about your netball.”

Traralgon serves as one of the biggest netball hubs in the state, according to Netball Victoria, meaning the state body sees immense importance in ceasing this regional opportunity.

“We really think it’s critical and important to us to give the players, fans, and all their families a chance to experience up close and personal elite netball and the excitement of that and give them a chance to sort of touch and feel the game in person,” Netball Victoria General Manager of Stakeholder Relations, Sarah Rush said.

Doors open at GRISS this Saturday at 9.30am, with the Victoria 19/U facing off against Waikato Bay of Plenty (New Zealand) development team.

Tickets range from as little as $3 to $5 for juniors and $7 to $10 for adults or concession. Book tickets at: trybooking.com/CXJFP