The Queensland Sapphires are returning home from the inaugural Australian Netball Championships (ANC) in Victoria with a bronze medal after their come-from-behind 72-64 victory over the Collingwood Magpies.
It was a rallying effort from the Queenslanders, who were down by five goals at halftime before posting a 40-27 second-half effort to secure the eight goal win.
“In our final game today, I don’t think I’ve even seen a more impressive turnaround,” Sapphires head coach Katie Walker said.
“The only thing that surpassed our unwavering belief and heart was the relentless work the players were prepared to do to get the result. The efforts, attitude and actions of our entire playing group of 12 and support staff throughout this whole week led us to that performance and we’ll all take so many valuable things away from it.”
The Sapphires finished the rounds in the top two of Pool B, with a 64-58 semi-final loss to Victorian Fury setting up today’s bronze medal play-off with the Magpies.
“It’s been an incredible Sapphires campaign for the whole squad, and for the team in Traralgon, and although we will always strive for gold, Sim (Nalatu) and I are proud beyond words and return home with not just a bronze medal but with full hearts, priceless learnings, treasured memories and a real excitement for what’s ahead for each of these talented athletes,” Walker said.
The 2022 ANC title went to Southern Force, who defeated Victorian Fury 59-57 in today’s grand final.
Ten teams competed from various states and territories including Victorian Fury, Collingwood Magpies, GIANTS Academy, QBE Swifts Academy, West Coast Fever Reserves, Capital Darters, Tasmania, Sunshine Coast Lightning, Southern Force and Queensland Sapphires.
2022 Queensland Sapphires:
Charlie Bell – ACU Brisbane North Cougars
Rylee Burns – ACU Brisbane North Cougars
Olivia Dijkstra – Gold Coast Titans
Ashleigh Ervin – USQ Jets
Macy Gardner – ACU Brisbane North Cougars
Remi Kamo – ACU Brisbane North Cougars
Leesa Mi Mi – ACU Brisbane North Cougars
Isabelle Shearer - QUT
Mia Stower – Qld Firebirds
Danielle Taylor – QUT
Hulita Veve – QUT
Lia Woolnough – ACU Brisbane North Cougars
