When it comes to versatility out on court, there is no denying that Fionnuala McKeagney-Stubbs takes the cake. McKeagney-Stubbs added a couple more strings to her bow this year swapping positions and was subsequently awarded for her efforts, selected in the Australian 17/U squad.
It is no easy feat to re-train yourself in an entirely new position and up the opposite end of the court, but through the help of her coach Marg Lind at City West Falcons in the Victorian Netball League (VNL), McKeagney-Stubbs has been able to do just that.
“I was a goaler, then I got selected as a goal defence/goal keeper. Just working on that and improving that I think has really got me here.
“Marg as a coach has been really great with me changing into a goal defence role. She’s aided me through this to change the position and teach me how to play it better.”
Steadily learning the tricks of the trade as a defender, the 17-year-old highlighted the mental and tactical difference of playing defence while also tapping into her attacking smarts to make an impact down back.
“Mentally, I’ve developed because I’ve had to forget about that position when I’m playing a defensive role. That’s also helped me defend and been really beneficial that I’ve been a goaler because now I know how they play.”
While McKeagney-Stubbs plays with her own flair and style, she does admit she tries to borrow a couple of moves from some of her idols, especially when it comes to transitioning ball through the court.
“Gretel Bueta is a player that I have always looked up to, especially with her attack down the court.As a defender obviously you still have to attack. When I bring the ball down I use her attacking ways to implement into my game."
With Bueta providing inspiration up one end of the court, it is no surprise that McKeagney-Stubbs also looks up to powerhouse Australian Diamonds duo Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce.
“Through becoming a defender, I have really admired Courtney Bruce and Jo Weston with how they are so defensive and strong. Their strength onto the ball and how they defend with their body positioning is so impressive.
McKeagney-Stubbs grew with confidence and determination each time she stepped out on court in 2021 for the Falcons, before the season was cut short due to a state-wide lockdown. Despite the obstacles and limited court time over the past two years, McKeagney-Stubbs has continued to find a way to stay motivated and connected to her new City West teammates.
McKeagney-Stubbs’ journey first started when she was 10 years old, playing at Parkville as a way to socialise and stay active, but now it has become a full-time passion. Heading to Caloundra with the Victorian under 15s state side and winning silver was a clear highlight for McKeagney-Stubbs who also now has Australian U/17 squad member next to her name
Although netball was not McKeagney-Stubbs’ first port of call, having played individual sports like tennis growing up, it is a decision she is incredibly happy she made given the opportunities and friendships she has created along the way.
“I just wanted something social to do. I used to play tennis, but I never really liked how it was just all about you. I guess through netball, I was with my friends doing it, but I was also helping people around me.
“This year was great because there were a lot of girls from 15s who were in (the 17/U squad) and I’ve also had two of my best friends in it. We’ve formed such a strong connection. I’m just so thankful for netball because it has really created that.”
McKeagney-Stubbs is one of a handful of Victorian athletes that has been selected in the Australian squad.
More information on the Netball Victoria pathway can be found here: (https://vic.netball.com.au/netball-victoria-pathway)
