By Amanda Myler
THE equation is simple for TAE Aerospace Jets, win their remaining two regular round games in the HART Premier Netball League (HPNL) Sapphire Division and a top four berth is within reach.
The defending premiers also need to rely on the Sunshine Coast Thunder to falter, which isn’t an ideal position to be in, yet 23-year-old Jets defender Lily Gribble has accepted the situation for what it is.
"I have played in the past four Sapphire Series grand finals, winning the premiership and Sapphire MVP last year, it was pretty much the perfect year," she said.
"Last year taught me how to play with calm confidence when you’re on top of the ladder.
"This year is a little different, it’s not the perfect season and it hasn’t been smooth sailing. I love winning, I hate losing, but when things don’t go to plan, I can’t control how I feel, I can only control how I respond.
"I have continued to keep my high expectations, it’s not over yet but it’s clear that this year is going to give us more resilience and hunger for what’s next."
The Jets’ attempt to make it through this fortnight without a loss begins on Saturday, when they wrap up Round 13 with a game against the ladder-leading Bond University Bull Sharks at The Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.
When these two sides last met in Round 7, the Bull Sharks, who are notorious for their two-point prowess, took the win 61-60.
"I haven’t played against Mia Stower (Bull Sharks shooter) this season yet," Gribble said.
"The first half of the season was quite different as a few players from a lot of the teams were missing due to Super Netball Reserves and Suncorp Super Netball commitments. I always love the challenge of playing on a super shot shooter; it’s often a mental challenge which I enjoy shutting down."
It’s been another exceptional year for Gribble personally, in juggling full-time work, Jets commitments, Firebirds Futures duties, and Queensland Firebirds training partner demands, yet she wouldn’t have it any other way.
"I’m definitely my worst critic, and I have high expectations of myself," Gribble said.
"In my first year as a Firebirds training partner, I’ve learnt a lot about myself. Being in that environment feels amazing, and it feels like it’s where I’m meant to be.
"I’m so grateful to be a part of it and it gives me a lot of confidence. More than ever I’m trying to be a leader on and off the court, and pass on my learnings from both Firebirds and Firebirds Futures to the Jets."
KommunityTV is your home to watch Queensland’s top talents LIVE and exclusive. Two matches each round from the top-flight Sapphire division are being exclusively live streamed on News Corp Australia mastheads, including The Courier-Mail and Gold Coast Bulletin.
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