By Amanda Myler
KIRRA Tappenden has always embraced a 'super shot', well before the long-range bomb was written into the HART Premier Netball League rulebook as a two-point option.
The 19-year-old Queensland Firebirds training partner and Firebirds Futures representative spent the first decade of her netball journey bouncing between attack and defensive positions, and as such found herself quickly turning to the post regardless of the distance.
“I feel like I’ve always loved long-range shooting more,” she said.
“I was making Queensland teams as a defender when a coach randomly switched me to goal attack. I didn’t know how to move in the circle so when I got the ball, I shot it from where I landed. My parents always said, ‘turn and shoot’, so I learnt at a young age to just do that.”
Tappenden slotted 11 of 13 Super Shot attempts for the Bond University Bull Sharks in last weekend’s 36-point victory over the Carina Leagues Club Tigers; a win which pushed the Bull Sharks into top position on the Sapphire division ladder.
With five rounds in the regular season to play out, including this weekend’s Round 10 match against newcomers Moreton Bay City Pulse, the Gold Coast-based side is tracking towards a consecutive finals appearance.
“I’ve loved it,” Tappenden said of her first season with the franchise.
“Being able to shoot with Mia (Stower) is amazing, and brings me so much confidence to see how confident she is. We’ve had a great season so far, and I can’t wait for the rest of it. I love the community at Bond too, it doesn’t matter if you’re at a Sapphire or Ruby level, everyone gets along and supports each other so it’s a great culture.”
Tappenden’s relocation from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast, to join the Bull Sharks and study psychology at Bond University, has seen her reunite with her Queensland 17/U and Queensland 19/U coach Bec Stower.
“When I was playing then, I wanted to get every second ball, running too much, getting too high on the court as a goal attack, and not letting other players do their job,” Tappenden said.
“I’m now playing more to my position, rather than trying to do everything, and trusting that they can bring the ball to me.”
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