The prospect of getting back on court was exciting enough for Trident Homes Tactix defender Karin Burger, but the chance to play in front of a home crowd has added an extra “buzz” to their ANZ Premiership return.
The Tactix host the Stars at Christchurch Arena on Saturday where the Hanmer Springs Trophy and valuable Premiership points will be up for grabs.
But it is also the first time this season that stadiums can be filled following the Government’s announcement to the change in Covid restrictions, removing gathering limits for indoor events.
“Can it get any better,” Burger asked. “It’s perfect timing – we’re back on court and back in front of our loyal home crowd which has definitely added a buzz to training this week.”
Side-lined for two weeks, the Tactix are eager to re-start their campaign in the best possible fashion in front of their fans.
The stop-go start to their season is something Burger said the team had prepared for and having to stand-down due to the impacts of Covid did not come as a surprise.
“I think we went in with the mentality that it’s not going to be a normal season, there will be people coming in and out, there will be postponement games. What’s been good for us, the last couple of weeks, even though we weren’t playing we’ve been able to focus a lot more on our fitness. Having said that we’re just looking forward to actually being back on court.”
Having contracted Covid earlier this year, Burger used the past fortnight to top up her tank with extra fitness sessions – including boxing, swimming, and circuit training – which she felt had been a “breath of fresh air” during the disrupted start to their campaign.
“It’s still working hard on the body and the lungs, but it’s been something different, so it’s kept the mind fresh as well,” she said.
“There’s also a bit more of a focus on self-responsibility – this disruption really challenges you not just physically off court, but really makes you have to do time management and self-management.
“I remember Laura Langman always used to say, ‘you have to be ready, no matter what – ready or not, here we come’ and I think this has put us in that uncomfortable position of it doesn’t matter what’s happening we have to be ready to go.”
The Tactix started strongly against the Stars back in Round 2 but faded over the second half to lose the game by five – something they will want to ensure doesn’t happen again. Burger said she was looking forward to the rematch.
“We’ve acknowledged that they’re in the same situation as us, having the last two weeks off, so it’s good to know that we’re on even playing fields. It also means that they’ll be just as eager as us, so I’ll know they’ll come out firing.”
Saturday’s game marks the start of a jam-packed calendar over the coming weeks, slotting in rescheduled matches midweek.
Burger said, now more than ever, it would be crucial to focus on just the game in front of them and be ready to make any “quick fixes” on the run.
“Knowing there might not be that turnaround to go back to training and fine tune things. If there’s anything that we need to fix in our game, it’s going to have to be an immediate fix – so that in itself is another challenge,” Burger said.
“But it’s also going to make the season go by so fast so it’s really important to enjoy every moment as it comes. We know it’s going to be busy, but we don’t want to just go through the motions – we really want to take every game for what it brings.”
- The Trident Homes Tactix meet the Stars at Christchurch Arena in Christchurch on Saturday at 4.15pm, live on Sky Sport.
