Australian sporting teams continue to set world standards. The success of our women's netball team has seen the game become the fastest growing sport in the country and you could also add the mantle of most progressive.
Whilst the appeal at grassroots level has always been high, the same cannot be said of the game’s standing in mainstream media where, up until now, it has simply provided paper fill. You have to take your hat off to the administrators who have transformed the game of netball with initiatives to attract new support and advocates for the game who have helped raise the game’s awareness levels. At its best netball is free flowing both with ball movement and off-the-ball manoeuvring. You throw into that every ball is contested and all of a sudden you have a fast game with contact. The ingredients to entice the male element to support the game in particular, but some also cheekily suggesting there is more contact in netball than the rugby codes, given the crackdown in the tackle. Whilst that is jibber and sensationalism, the girls definitely don't take a backward step nor ask for, or are given, an inch.
For those after a post-season league fix, this year’s Four Nations definitely represents a changing of the guard for Australia, with the younger brigade being given the chance to perform on the big stage. For me it adds intrigue to a tournament that would have been like deliverance day, where Australia would again prove too good and win on their ear. While that may still be the case, the chances of being so are somewhat distanced.
All roads lead to Melbourne over the next fortnight with the main attraction, the Melbourne Cup again looking likely to be won by an overseas horse. Last week’s victory by the Japanese horse, Admire Rakti again showed how strong the industry in that country is. It also further emphasises that Australian racing needs to look long and hard at the philosophies within the industry. As Australians we tend to get caught in a bubble thinking we are the best at everything, and it's not until you experience things at a global level that you realise we are a big fish in a relatively small pond. Undoubtedly we have some great sporting teams borne out of a climate which enhances participation numbers and hence big numbers to ensure competitive environments at a domestic level. I do however believe administrative bodies and beliefs within in a lot of the nation’s sporting codes are not forward thinking and productive due to a lack of international competition. Geography dictates that the European model, where year-round competition against other countries and a continual battle for market share for a particular sport breeds a competitive edge.
Finally, welcome back to Aussie women's cricket teenage sensation, Holly Ferling who this weekend returns to the game for the QLD Fire, after recovering from a stress fracture in her back. It definitely hasn't kept her quiet as she has continued her full-time university studies, fulfilled commentary roles, appeared as guest host on Brisbane radio, photo shoots for Milo as part of her official role as ambassador, as well as training morning and afternoon on most of these days. If you want a role model for a generation who have become more accustomed to Play Stations then you need look no further. Best of luck Holly!
Cheers until next week,
Andrew