Fans in the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium on the weekend were treated to a spectacle a little different to the Melbourne Vixens pre-season matches to come, when the Victorian Open Men’s squad took the court for a curtain raiser match.
The exhibition match was the perfect opportunity to highlight the amazing talent in Victoria when it comes to men’s netball, and showcase the pathway for young aspiring boys.
Victorian Men’s squad member Jayden Cowling displayed his impressive talent inside the circle on Saturday, alongside some other formidable names like Guy Keane and Jake Noonan.
Jayden explained just how much it meant for him and the squad to get out on court in Traralgon and play in front of a crowd after limited exposure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think we spoke about it a little bit before the game. We haven’t played in front of a crowd since men's netball Nationals in 2019, so it was pretty cool. We really had a good showing of crowds.
“It's a really nice feeling, we all love our sport and showcasing the best men's netball in Victoria.”
It was a highly physical match, the dynamic and aerial style of game ensuring that the players and fans alike were kept on their toes.
Jayden credits practice matches against the Vixens as imperative to setting the tone for his squad.
“For me I guess it’s just getting back on court and getting that physicality and that intensity as well. I've been lucky enough to have some practice matches against the Vixens and they bring so much intensity.”
While the teams gelled well on the court, it was in fact the first time those two sides had played with each other – giving credit to the high level of netball nous across the squad.
“We hadn't played together before. The two men's teams were a combination of open players, reserve players and we also had under 17 players as well. So for us, it's more just getting out on the court and seeing what we can do together as a group before we get into Nationals training.”
The curtain raiser was more than just an opportunity to showcase men’s netball in Victoria – it was also a step up in professionalism according to Jayden as they prepare for the Australian National Championships in April.
“Getting that exposure to the professionalism on match day and on the court, getting called out and little things like that we're not used to so that was awesome. Absolutely awesome,” he said.
“Arriving and walking in the back way to get to our changerooms is something that's new to us. So just to get that experience.”
One day Jayden hopes to see men’s netball sharing the spotlight with women’s netball, and this was a step in the right direction according to the goaler with thousands of people tuning in to watch the livestream.
“I would love to see men's netball get to that high performance professional level, and to get opportunities like this is something that doesn't come too often - we're extremely lucky and grateful that Netball Vic was able to give this platform for us.
“Even better to get it livestreamed to Facebook where I think it got a fair bit of traction, over 10,000 views, just put us in really good preparation for when we head away to Nationals.”
Netball has always been a passion of Jayden’s, having started playing when he was in primary school. And while he had to put a halt on his netball journey for a few years, he found his way back and is hoping that many more boys and men pick up the sport.
“I started as a young kid in Bendigo when I was in grade two, I had to stop playing which is unfortunate when you're at that age, but I guess now there's so many more opportunities that Netball Vic offer.”
“The biggest tip for boys is to stick at it because you never know what opportunities will arise in the future. I think men's netball is only going to get bigger and better over the next few years, that's for sure.”
