Melbourne Vixens assistant coach, Di Honey has been tasked with leading the Victorian Fury side ahead of the 2022 Australian Netball Championships in Traralgon. The newly restructured ANC will run from August 22-28 and presents a new challenge for players and coaches.
Honey explained that she’s looking forward to taking on the new competition format, which will be delivered in a tournament model for the first time.
“It will be like Nationals which will be great. I haven’t coached at Nationals so it will be a new experience for me as well,” she said.
Due to the tight fixture, Honey emphasised that the team will have a focus on taking key learnings from each game as they work towards the finals.
After missing the past two years due to the COVID pandemic, it means a lot for the group to be out on court representing their state and defending their 2019 premiership.
“It’s certainly an incentive for the team to come home with back-to-back titles considering we’ve had two years where we didn’t play. I have missed ANC and the girls have well and truly missed it as well,” she said.
Honey has a star-studded Fury side at her disposal with Hannah Mundy, Rahni Samason and Olivia Lewis all joining the squad, alongside former Vixens in Emma Ryde and Tayla Honey.
“It will be great to have Rahni, Hannah and Liv in the side with their knowledge. The training partners are also in the squad, they’ve been lucky enough to be involved in the Vixens program and know what’s expected at this level,” she said.
“Ruby and Sharni both had exposure with the Vixens during the SSN season, which has provided them with some invaluable learning. We have an exciting team.”
Honey will be accompanied by Vixens specialist midcourt coach Susan Meaney, as well as Tracey Brereton and Vixens champion Tegan Philip.
“Tracey is a great addition following her experience with the Victorian State 17/U team this year. As a defensive coach, she provides a balance of knowledge between us,” Honey said.
“Having Susan involved offers a link with our Vixens Academy program and Tegan brings a wealth of knowledge as goaling specialist coach. It is a strong coaching panel and I’m looking forward to working with all of them.”
Honey and her coaching contingent are eager to see the team develop over the course of the week and implement that Fury style of netball with their tenacity, defensive nous and never-say-die attitude.
“I am looking forward to seeing the development of the players and to see them go to that next level and gel as a team. Fury’s just known for being a tough, determined, and tenacious team,” she said.
Check out the full Victorian Fury squad.
You can watch every match of the Australian National Championships live and free on Kayo Freebies, and purchase your tickets for the finals weekend (27-28 August) now.
