Kiri Wills is navigating her inaugural season as a coach in the Super Netball league, facing challenges that highlight the fierce competition and increased safety concerns within the sport. Midway through the season, after losing four matches in a row, the Queensland Firebirds are up against it. On the other hand, those records continue to tumble for the West Coast Fever with their remarkable winning streak. Perhaps most importantly, player safety has recently come under fire, leading to a major shakeup of concussion protocols in the league.
The Firebirds have been the worst team in the league this season, languishing at the bottom of the ladder following the club’s ninth straight defeat. In their most recent match, players Emily Moore and Mary Cholhok faced criticism for their lack of accuracy during crucial moments. The squad is dealing with injuries, including the loss of Tippah Dwan. Freshmen Latu-Meafou and Moore have been impressive in their development, but like any freshmen, they’ve been learning the ropes of a tough, new world.
The Melbourne Vixens marked Kate Eddy’s 100-game milestone with a gritty win over the Lightning. Dan Ryan, the Vixens’ coach, played a pivotal role in maintaining Eddy’s composure throughout a fiery contest. The match showcased not only Eddy’s skills but highlighted the intense rivalries that characterize Super Netball, notably between Romelda Aiken-George and Kadie-Ann Dehaney, who have a history of on-court antagonism.
Rising Stars and Coaching Changes
It’s been a topsy turvy year for Firebirds rookie coach Kiri Wills. Yet, under this immense pressure, she recently received a two-year extension to her stewardship, locking her in until at least 2027. This unexpected decision is evidence of the administration’s desire for relative stability at the start of what will be a turbulent transition season. An important part of Wills’ job is to unify her team and build belief in one another, and in their ability, as they work through their individual battles.
The Firebirds’ freefall has been chalked up to many issues such as injuries and lack of a consistent player rotation. Though this year has been defined by absence, the on-court absence of Tippah Dwan may have been the most painful. Latu-Meafou and Moore have shown themselves to be very promising future stars. They require a little more time to adjust to the high stakes of Super Netball.
Even as Wills quickly tries to form a winning unit, she’s notably focused on player development. The league’s competitive environment incentivizes winning above all else. While doing so, they will need to develop emerging talents to ensure sustained victories down the line.
Concussion Concerns Highlighted
Dr. Alan Pearce, an adjunct professor of neuroscience at Swinburne University, a long-time advocate for concussion policy in netball. He highlights the increasing relevance of player safety in the game today. He further stresses that concussions can occur from a multitude of injuries, not just direct blows to the head. His observations underscore the urgent need for more stringent, universal protocols to ensure the safety of players.
Dr. Pearce stated, > “If there is a fairly sizeable collision, whether it’s with another player or going to the floor, then if in doubt, check it out.”
This quote sums up the new emphasis on player welfare perfectly. Pearce thinks protocols need to be triggered as soon as there is contact to the head. He cautions about brushing off symptoms that don’t show up immediately.
“We know that concussion is an evolving injury: just because a player gets up straight away doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re OK … symptoms can present over 5 to 30 minutes,” – Dr. Alan Pearce
Calls for caution – even cancellation of games – have made waves since players have been allowed to play after severe falls. And Dr. Pearce wants to make sure professional athletes are thoroughly tested before they go back into the game.
“After a heavy fall like that a player should come off … We need to be erring on the side of caution now we know more about the short- and long-term issues around concussive injury,” – Dr. Alan Pearce
Whether consciously or not, Pearce’s comments reflect an evolving attitude in the game. Now, player health is prioritized above obsolete notions of gallantry or machismo.
Competitive Landscape and Future Prospects
With just three rounds remaining, all teams are under enormous pressure as the end of the season approaches ever closer. Like their Texan counterparts the Giants, their seasons are on a razor’s edge. With 12 points available in these last matches, each match is obviously a do-or-die scenario.
The West Coast Fever have quickly turned into a powerhouse of the league! They tied the longest-ever winning streak with a record-tying nine straight wins! Their consistent performance has placed them in contention for championship glory while highlighting their ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.
As teams like the Firebirds strive for improvement and stability amidst adversity, Wills’ leadership will be crucial in shaping their future. This mix of unproven talents and veterans will show how they bounce back after not having a successful 2020 season.
