Melbourne Phoenix Season Review

After being crowned the Commonwealth Bank Trophy premiers for season 2005, coach Julie Hoornweg is already looking forward to next season with a view to continuing to develop some of Australian netball’s best young talent in Johannah Curran, Australian 21u captain Julie Prendergast and Renae Hallinan.

How do you assess the season?

This is done in a number of ways. Firstly each player will be assessed individually across a number or criteria/goals that were established at the start of the season. Then the team goals will be evaluated.

Next the support staff and overall program will be assessed again across a variety of criteria/goals set by them. Lastly I will get my peers and the players to assess my performance. Hopefully that should do it!

How did your find your first season coaching in the CBT?

My first season was very demanding. Little or no background material was available so I had to begin virtually with a blank sheet of paper – Considering I only started the same week that the players began pre-season training everything was very hectic.

The player’s needs and programming was our first priority in regard to training needs. Once the season started it was, non stop game review and analysis and game strategy work.

Who were the players who stepped up during the season and were a catalyst to Phoenix winning the premiership?

All the players needed to make advancements in the skills, intensity and strategic work. The game strategies for both defence and attack were changed from the previous year so there is always a learning period followed by an implementation period before the strategies are automated – this takes time and luckily it came together in the end.

The younger players in the squad, in particular Joh Curran were given a lot of court time do you think getting extended periods court time is good for their develop and if yes, why?

All players train to play – that is the ultimate goal. We have a great brigade of young players who are ready to step up. Jo was lucky that Bianca (Chatfield) and Julie (Prendergast) were not able to play as much court time as last year and if given the same opportunity next year I am sure there will be rave reviews again about Julie and also about Renae Hallinan.

What gaps are you looking to fill for season 2006 in terms of positions, any weak areas that need to be worked on?

We will be looking for some young players to eventually fill the shoes of Eloise and Sharelle in goals and maybe through the mid court as well.

The Phoenix are now looking forward to season 2006 and the premiership defence. After winning 12 games to be level with the Sydney Swifts prior to the finals series, Hoornweg and her coaching staff will be looking to possibly go undefeated all season much like the Swifts have done in recent years.

For some of the squad members, including Southby-Halbish, McMahon, Chatfield, Wendy Jacobsen and Natasha Chokljat the season is far from over as they prepare for the upcoming international Test match against New Zealand on October 29 as well as a three Test series against Jamaica. This is all before the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne next year.

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