The 2021 COVID lockdown of Greater Sydney may have brought a premature end to the ERNA Hawks’ Origin Energy Premier League campaign but they always knew 2022 wasn’t far away.
So instead of being disappointed by the competition’s cancellation, they got prepared.
“We have started the season fitter and stronger than in 2021 and the girls can see that we are competitive,” Hawks U23s Head Coach Therri Ellison says.
“We have retained much of our players from 2021, with a new shooter and defender in the mix.
“Since I feel we are starting from a stronger base this year, we should be more consistent in our games as we need to play the full four quarters.
“I expect some big things from our strong defensive unit and look forward to how our attacking end blend together.”
Ellison says the South Coast Blaze are one of the biggest threats this year, as well as North Shore United and the UTS Randwick Sparks, but – first and foremost – she wants a full season of action.
“The most important thing is we watch the team grow and develop as we continue the unfinished business of 2021.”
Anita Keelan, the former NSW Swifts premiership-winning Assistant Coach, will be Head Coach of the Hawks Opens team in 2022.
In a wonderful story, the Opens side will have three new mums returning to the netball court in Jessica Grant, Ali Miller and another Swifts premiership champion in Sophie Craig.
“It’s no doubt a challenging year for all three women as they have become mums, are still working and are pursuing their passion for netball – but it is wonderful to have them returning,” Keelan said.
The Opens also have a healthy sprinkling of the best up-and-coming NSW talent in their team with a number of QBE Swifts and GIANTS Netball Academy athletes selected.
“Sophie Fawns is a Swifts Training Partner while Courtney Castle and Brooke Patterson are part of the Swifts Academy too,” Keelan added.
“They will team up with teammates from last year in Emily Bills, Lauren Cantwell, Ebony Bernard, Georgia Marshall and Olivia Coleman (GIANTS Academy).
“It will be a challenging year of blending players with the complication of COVID, but we are all looking forward to improving and enjoying our netball and the opportunity to play.
“Just being together and being grateful to play each week is fantastic. Netball is constantly evolving and to be part of it right now is exciting.”
And it’s only going to get more exciting next month when the Premier League returns and the Hawks look to fly high. Watch this space.
Find out more about ERNA Hawks teams by visiting their Team Bios page on the Origin Energy Premier League website: https://www.nnswpremierleague.com.au/premier-league-teams/erna-hawks/
