Mainland head coach Geni Ah Tong is excited about her mix of experience and fresh faces both on and off court as she prepares her side for the 2024 Synergy Hair Netball League.
Ah Tong confirmed her team this week which is headlined with an experienced core returning to the league and a number of new faces.
It is her first season in the hot seat and in a new-look management team, she will be joined by former Tactix players Anna Kennedy and Nicola Mackle as assistant coach and specialist coach respectively.
Ah Tong said her 12-strong-squad had the right mix of leadership, positive team culture, willingness to learn, fitness and speed.
“We will be leveraging off these strengths to build on our foundations and peak at the right time,” she said.
The inclusion of two new tall shooters changes up Mainland’s attacking circle with Christchurch-born Olivia Dijkstra, who has been living in Queensland and played in the Australian National Championships in 2022 before earning a spot in the wider Firebirds squad, joining the team along with Olivia Wilkie, who has been a part of Mainland’s netball pathway since 15-years-old – both standing at 1.94m.
They will join experienced attackers Taiana Day and Tactix training partner Vika Koloto in the shooting circle.
“This year we’ve got a mixture of youth and experienced athletes in the shooting circle, and they all bring their own uniqueness to the game which will contribute to a more well-rounded competitive squad,” Ah Tong said. “It’s a formidable frontline to be reckoned with.”
Former New Zealand Secondary Schools netballer Georgia Mae Stroud also makes the squad for the first time while Manaia Rapana-Feather will make a return to the Mainland side for the first time since 2020, having taken some time away from the elite game. Former Tactix apprentice player Lose Fainga’anuku returns to the region having played for the Southern Blast last season and the Tongan international will add to the defensive unit.
“Lose brings an invaluable international experience and it’s great to have her back in the Mainland, while Manaia has an infectious positive energy and wealth of netball knowledge,” Ah Tong said.
Returning to the team for another year will be experienced defenders Lily Marshall and Julia Wynands, Kate Littlejohn, Caitlin O’Sullivan and Ashleigh Poi.
“The knowledge and experience these athletes bring into our environment will contribute greatly to our overall success as a team,” Ah Tong said. “They provide leadership, have problem-solving abilities, mentorship and ultimately helping to elevate the performance and morale of the entire group.”
She has also named two train-on partners including Holly Munro and newcomer Sienna Stowers-Smith.
Mainland open their Synergy Hair Netball League campaign when they play the Comets on 21 April.
Mainland Synergy Hair Netball League team:
Taiana Day
Olivia Dijkstra
Lose Fainga’anuku
Manaia Rapana-Feather
Vika Koloto
Kate Littlejohn
Lily Marshall
Caitlin O’Sullivan
Ashleigh Poi
Georgia Mae Stroud
Olivia Wilkie
Julia Wynands
Training partners: Holly Munro, Sienna Stowers-Smith
Management: Geni Ah Tong (Coach), Anna Kennedy (Assistant Coach), Nicola Mackle (Specialist Coach), Leigh Hurford (Manager), Kylie Cox (Physio), Jacob Martin and MacKenzie Prew (Strength and Conditioning), Todd Astle (Mental Skills).
