Trident Homes Tactix attacker Jess Allan is making the most of her first full contract in the ANZ Premiership. We talk to her about her about playing in front of a full house in Rangiora this week, how the Tactix are tracking so far and taking on the Steel on Sunday.
What has it been like having gained for your first full ANZ Premiership contract this season – is it what you expected?
It’s really exciting to be a part of the team and I have been super grateful for the opportunity. It’s kinda what I expected, being down with the Southern Steel as a training partner last year prepared me well for the training intensity. The main difference is backing up high intensity training for a 24-week season where as previously I would come in for one or two trainings throughout the week.
The Tactix are back home in Rangiora this week – you played there in preseason, how good is it having the Tactix fans so close to the action when you’re playing?
The support for our Tactix team is almost unmatched. We have such an advantage at home because our crowd is like an eighth player. The MainPower Stadium in Rangiora is so unique because we are almost sitting with our supporters. It creates such a cool atmosphere which lifts our performance. We’ve been on the road for three weeks, so everyone is looking forward to being back in Christchurch.
You went to school in Christchurch – tell us a bit about your netball background which has led to your spot in the Tactix.
I went to primary school at Paparoa primary school, then spent intermediate at Heaton and eventually went to (Christchurch) Girls’ High for my first two years of high school. In year 11 I was lucky enough to get a scholarship to St Andrew’s College which really supported my netball aspirations but also academic studies.
We are heading towards the midway point of the regular season, how would you rate the Tactix’ performances so far?
Although we are tracking really well, I think we’re yet to put together a performance really showcasing our style of netball. We are kind of playing to the level of the team we come up against. I’m excited for the second half of the season because I think the work we have put in throughout the preseason is really going to shine.
How do you overcome nerves/pressure on game day?
That’s a hard question, I don’t think you can ever overcome them, and you also don’t want to. A bit of nerves is good. Usually I do a bit of yoga in the morning, then watch some highlight clips to hype myself up.
What’s your favourite pre-game food?
Hash browns with heaps of salt and a cheese toastie.
Who were your netball/sporting idols growing up and why?
My mum was a huge one – she played netball up until recently. But I also loved watching Nat Medhurst, Maria Folau and Steph Woods style of play.
If you could change a netball rule, what would it be and why?
Maybe I would take out contact, except you can’t take the ball out of people’s hands once they have it. We play lots of scrum in training and I love it. You have to work really hard to get free and I think it makes the game more interesting to watch. I also think it would stop lots of controversial calls, like if you got the ball, you got the ball.
The Steel have been steadily improving – what will it take for the Tactix to grab the win?
Yeah, the steel are a different team since the last time we played them. If our defence can back up their performance from last week that would be a great start. We need to have more flow down our attacking end and definitely score more than six goals a quarter.
Is there any netball advice you’d like to give a young Jess Allan starting out in the sport?
Balance is key, everyone’s journey is unique and be kind to yourself.
- The Trident Homes Tactix meet the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel at MainPower Stadium in Rangiora, at 4pm on Sunday.
