The anticipation is building as the Australian Netball Championships (ANC) prepare to return on August 21. This year all eyes are on the Victorian Fury, a team that has become synonymous with success in the competition previously known as the Australian Netball League (ANL).
At the helm of the Fury once again is Di Honey, whose coaching prowess and dedication have already left an indelible mark on the team.
The COVID pandemic caused the cancellation of the ANL in both 2020 and 2021. With the competition making its comeback last year in a new-look tournament format, fans and players alike are eager to witness the action unfold again.
With their rich history of achievement, the Fury are poised to once again make an impact on court.
The side has claimed the ANL/ANC championship title an impressive eight times, establishing themselves as one of the competition's powerhouses from the very first iteration.
Their journey to dominance began in 2008 when they secured the inaugural championship, marking the start of a triumphant three-peat. This feat was further solidified by their four consecutive titles from 2013 to 2016.
A second-place finish in 2022 will no doubt fuel the new-look team to reclaim the title and continue the Fury legacy.
What sets the 2023 team apart is a renewed focus on nurturing emerging talent. With a majority of squad members under the age of 23, the team is a testament to Netball Victoria's commitment to developing and showcasing the depth of talent within their pathway.
Head Coach Di Honey is excited about the potential this roster holds.
“The depth of talent that I have the opportunity to work with excites me,” she said.
“There’s some great players coming through our pathway, and I can’t wait to see them develop over the time I have with them.”
Having celebrated her 150th Super Netball match as Melbourne Vixens Assistant Coach earlier this year, Honey brings a wealth of experience to her coaching role, including leading Fury to the 2019 ANL title.
Her journey has taught her invaluable lessons about the dynamics of coaching and fostering team chemistry.
“My biggest lesson in coaching has been to get to know your players well and what makes them tick. Creating a good relationship that involves trust and respect is a huge factor in ensuring the standards and expectations are met at this level of competition,” she reflected.
The 2023 Fury team boasts a blend of fresh faces and seasoned players.
“There’s a good mix of athletes in the team this year,” Honey said.
“We have some players who are new to the high performance program, alongside our Vixens training partners who have that extra experience. They have been training hard and getting to know each other off the court as well.”
As the tournament approaches, Honey's optimism and confidence in her players shines through.
“I would like to think we will be a competitive team. One that works hard, implements the game plan and doesn’t come off the court wondering ‘what if?’”
Her dedication to creating a positive environment for her players is evident in her approach.
“This year is about trying to get as many Victorian athletes aged 21 years old and younger talent identified, and exposing them to the values and standards that are expected of them in a high performance setting,” she emphasised.
While the history of success at this level drives each Victorian Fury team, Honey also acknowledges the importance of enjoyment alongside performance.
“The other focus is that they all enjoy themselves and have fun while producing some great netball during the week,” she said.
As the ANC draws closer, Honey and her squad are all set to make their mark on the 2023 competition.
Fury will compete at the 2023 Australian Netball Championships at the Morayfield Sports and Events Centre on Kabi Kabi Country in Morayfield, Queensland from August 21-27.
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See the full 2023 ANC fixture and team lists
