The countdown for Round 1 is on for the Wilson Storage Southern Saints with new recruit Ash Barnett ready to fire on all cylinders.
Hailing from Melbourne originally, Barnett made the trek to Queensland to follow her netball dreams but was lured back to the Victorian Netball League for season 2022.
“This year jumping into a new club is very different, coming from Queensland back to Victoria is a change. We’re doing two sessions a week and we’re putting in the hard work. Doing fitness on the Friday and trying to get our structures right. It’s good to try and get a routine with them all.”
Making the move back to Victoria was a no-brainer for the new Vixens Academy member, with Barnett highlighting the shift she has already felt since coming back to the state.
“For my mental health, having my support system back is just a massive bonus for my netball. It’s a similar competition, nothing has changed there, I just feel more at home here with a new team as well.”
With limited netball in Victoria over the past two years due to the COVID pandemic, Barnett is aware of how fortunate she has been to play the game she loves up in the Sunshine Coast but is eager to get out on court and represent her new club this season.
“I know I’ve been luckier than some of the other girls that have had two years off. Just excited about getting out there in my new club, new colours and seeing how it goes.”
Coming into a new environment has worked wonders for the talented defender, growing not only in her court craft but also her self-belief and leadership capabilities.
“I feel my ability to lead has improved and grown immensely since being at the Saints. Being able to put my best foot forward, whereas when I was younger and at other clubs I just shied away from that position.”
In terms of personal development, Barnett is focused on perfecting her defensive skillset and learning the new structures given her recent signing.
“My goal defence game is my top priority this year. I want to work on my one-on-one defence and second phase.”
With a coaching lineup headlined by one of the best in the business – Jane Searle – it is no wonder Barnett signed on with the Saints for the 2022 season.
Searle is renowned for her defensive expertise and Barnett is hoping to absorb as much knowledge as possible from the head coach to take her game to the next level.
“Jane was my key to go there. She’s an incredible coach, especially defensive coach which is why I wanted to be with her anyway. She gave me a call when I was in Queensland and pretty much convinced me to come down. I love all the girls at the club, so it was a pretty easy decision.
“She made promises to me and has delivered on them.”
The Wilson Storage Southern Saints will take on Ariels in Round 1, Wednesday 16 March at the State Netball Centre.
