Bright lights: Shepparton United defender Zoe Davies rose to the occasion as a top-up player for Collingwood on Monday in the final. Photo: AAP Image/Joel Carrett
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JOEL CARRETT
From the courts of the Goulburn Valley League to the bright lights of John Cain Arena, it was a whirlwind weekend for netball stars Zoe Davies (Shepparton United) and Casey Adamson (Seymour).
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Training partners with Collingwood’s Super Netball team, the duo was called up at the 11th hour to replace stars Ash Brazill, Jodi-Ann Ward and Maggie Lind, as COVID-19 swept through the Magpies.
Joining Australian icon Renae Ingles as top-up players for the crunch clash with the Melbourne Vixens ― the match would be Adamson’s first at Super Netball level ― while Davies got another taste of the big time after debuting against GWS in April.
Although a contest against its cross-town rival was big enough in its own right, the match would also have large implications on Collingwood’s finals chances.
Taking it right up to the ladder-leading Vixens, the new-look Magpies gave it everything, with the Goulburn Valley League A-grade pair settling in beautifully to the tempo in competition, but ultimately fell 54-52 in a gripping battle.
Although unable to come away with the points, the two-goal losing margin was enough to secure a finals berth, setting up a tantalising semi-final clash with GWS next week.
Memorable debut: Seymour’s Casey Adamson made an impact on her Super Netball debut for Collingwood. Photo: AAP Image/Joel Carrett
Photo by
JOEL CARRETT
Speaking after the match, Collingwood defender Geva Mentor praised Adamson’s debut performance in what was a landmark result for the club.
“It is such a bizarre feeling because we lost by two goals, yet we are overwhelmingly happy and proud having made finals after such a hectic 24-36 hours,” Mentor told Collingwood media.
“I am just so proud of every player that pulled on the black and white and played their role.
“For Casey to start, with this being her first time actually in the squad of 10, I thought she held up really well.
“We pride ourselves on that first centre pass and I thought she handled that brilliantly. She is such a smart player and I’m excited to see what she brings.”
While Adamson’s standout performance took the netball world by surprise, her teammates at Seymour weren’t shocked in the slightest, with the midcourter in the midst of a brilliant season for the ladder-leading Lions.
Seymour coach Ellie O’Sullivan said it was a thrill to watch one of her teammates take to Australian netball’s biggest stage.
“It was so exciting. Our whole football netball club were so pumped to see her finally get her opportunity. She’s been working so hard, so to see that pay off is just awesome,” O’Sullivan said.
“To play alongside her at Seymour is such a privilege. We learn so much from her and she is such a leader for our team.
“So for us to see her on the big screen playing in such a big game, it was a great day.”
