The Manly Warringah Sapphires have always been a force to be reckoned with in the Origin Energy Premier League, and this year has been no different.
Despite setbacks posed by COVID-19 and the delayed start to the season, coaches Melinda Clarke and Virginia Welsh made sure their teams were prepared as much as possible.
“This year, the teams mainly trained as a squad, and given the uncertain SSN netball environment and our health climate, it was important that all girls were connected as possible.
“Once COVID restrictions were put in place and our face to face sessions ceased, we set a pre season program that all girls participated in and each player videoed their technique. We also had break out groups that would come together when health restrictions allowed.”
Just like many workplaces, the Sapphires were also no strangers to Zoom.
“We were also privileged to have inspirational speaker Monique Murphy address our Zoom sessions on a number of occasions. She posed a number of valid questions relating to the idea that ‘Uncertainty…creates opportunity’.
“Everyone really related to Mon’s personal story and could apply to their own situation.”
The Manly Warringah Netball Association has stood for over 50 years, so being able to play this season, in a year of many disruptions and uncertainty, means a great deal to the girls from the North.
“To represent the Manly Warringah area and Northern Beaches of Sydney is a huge honour as our area has such a history of elite sportswomen,” Clarke and Welsh say.
“There are also the girls that have come into the area that now call themselves ‘Manly girls’ as they identify with the culture and ethos of the Manly Sapphires club and our program.
“We strongly believe in creating a strong pathway for all netballers on the northern beaches and beyond.”
When asked about how the U23s have bounced back after narrowly missing out on the Championship title last year, Welsh responded that it has only made the team more determined to both improve and seek victory.
“Every member involved in that grand final game has that hunger for success and improvement, so they will continue their own personal quest.
“The coaches for both teams see the challenge as two fold – of course winning a title is a great reward, however ensuring the girls improve their skills year on year, achieve their goals and contribute to moving through the pathway, including from our 23s to our Opens, is also an important focus.”
With both teams sitting comfortably on their ladders and in their respective conferences, it’s safe to say the Manly Warringah Sapphires are thriving and striving for that chance to take the title once again.
