Every year coaches and High Performance teams are faced with at least one challenging decision, for the Queensland Firebirds this season it is how to replace Romelda George.
For the best part of two decades the Jamaican goal shooter has been a catalyst for the Firebirds’ success – helping them to three championships and even during the 5th placed season 2021, she still netted more than 500 goals.
The club and purple family are celebrating the exciting news that the club legend, and husband Dan, are expecting a baby.
But it also leaves them wondering what to do without the charismatic goaler dominating the circle.
“Romelda has been the backbone of the Firebirds for 15 years now, that is a big hole to fill. Her presence on court, her shooting volume, the culture she brings to the group and her love for the team and winning is something that will be almost impossible to replace, “Head Coach Megan Anderson explained.
“We have a lot to consider, not least how the replacement will gel with Mia (Stower) and Grets (Gretel Tippet) and the mid court, or how she will fit into the culture.
“But ability wise as well, can we find a 60-minute player who can score 40 plus goals a game for us or do we need to look for someone who can fit in with Grets and make her our 40 plus goal per game shooter. We haven’t made that decision yet.
“We want to win, but we are also focused on developing Queensland talent, so it’s a big balancing act finding the puzzle piece. With only 10 in each squad, it makes it more difficult to pick someone that is untested, we really need the experience at an SSN level. Gretel is our only shooter with SSN experience and with 14 game in 12 weeks we need someone who can withstand the physical and mental pressure.”
Replacing an injured player or a player who has departed the club is one thing, replacing a pregnant player brings with it a whole new set of factors that need to be considered.
While the club understands this situation attractions a lot of attention from the media, netball world and general public – a player’s health and wellbeing remain priority.
“No decision when it involves 14 young women and a team of staff, is made lightly and particularly with Romelda there’s the sensitivity of a pregnancy and wanting to make sure Romelda and the baby are healthy. I worry mostly for the players and how the adverse media attention affects them,” Anderson acknowledged.
“I am very open and honest with the team, I hide nothing and know that if I’m responding to situations whilst living my values and with the team’s best interests at the core of my decisions, then I can rest easy. I’m not alone in this decision, there is constant consultation and interactions with NQ, Firebirds staff and the players.
“Rumours, innuendo and questions on decisions being made aren’t helpful for anyone. It can be stressful, but I try not to read too much into it. It’s the nature of the job I guess.
Emerging Firebirds
Head Coach Megan Anderson shares her thoughts on the club’s Training Partners and other emerging talent who all gave fantastic contributions across the weekend.
Charlie Bell: It was Charlie’s first outing in the purple dress and she was such a target for us there in the circle. She looked confident, strong and she enjoyed herself. She has improved so much since the beginning of pre-season, and I was so happy to see her out there mixing it with the Diamonds defensive duo at the Vixens.
Ash Ervin: Another debutant also showed promising signs. I see big things in Ash’s future, and she is so willing to learn, she took on feedback and had some special moments on court.
Donnell Wallam: She impressed me with her strength and ability to remain calm. She so coachable and loves a challenge. To come out and put in some big performances after not playing or training much for seven months was pretty phenomenal.
Hulita Veve and Macy Gardner: Hulita and Macy have obviously been around for a couple of years now, and we are so fortunate to have them in our squad. They really keep the contracted 10 on their toes and are pushing themselves to be the best they can be. I thought both had exceptional weekends, they showed me they are ready for SSN level.
