To our Purple Family,
Well – what a fortnight!
First we had the shock of a new rule – the ‘Super Shot’ – introduced just weeks before the start of the season, followed by the far more welcome and exciting news of a new addition to our Purple Family with Gretel and Niko expecting their first child.
Fair to say it’s been quite a rollercoaster these past two weeks and I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts and feelings with our fans.
Firstly, the ‘Super Shot’. I won’t lie, as a traditionalist who loves the foundations upon which our great game was built, it pains me to see changes like this made in the name of “progress” or “entertainment”. Everything about the way it was handled fell below the high standards we have set for this league. From the lack of consultation, to the timing just weeks out from a new season and even the language of “two goals” (the player doesn’t shoot twice guys – it’s two points), the rollout seemed to be one misstep after another.
In saying that, the Commission has made it clear they have no intention of reversing their decision, so we can either invest our energy in opposing it, or identify the ways in which we can take maximum advantage of the new rule at both ends of the court. From a defensive perspective, both Tara and Kim have experience with defending the long shot from their time in the Fast5 pathway, and I have full confidence in their combination to minimise the scoring impact in the final 5 minutes of each quarter. At the other end of the court, the introduction of Ine into our goal circle this year also provides some versatility and depth when it comes to shooting from distance.
It’s also important to note that the new rule does not compel you to take a Super Shot, it simply provides the option, so it will be interesting to see how many of our opponents actively pursue that opportunity. Regardless of take up, similar to a number of my coaching colleagues I will be very interested in the measures the Commission use to review the success or otherwise of the rule, and I hope that process is more transparent than the implementation.
Most importantly though, if this does in fact attract new audiences, more eyeballs watching our game and the greater commercial opportunities that come with that growth, then I sincerely hope the revenue generated from this change filters down, and that our players, without whom there is no product, reap the rewards.
Speaking of shooters, we may very well have one literally in the making, although I’m not sure I’ll still be coaching by the time we see baby Bueta take the court!
I was so excited to hear Gretel’s news. As a mother, I can still clearly remember the pure joy you experience in that first trimester of your first pregnancy, and it was written all over her face.
The Queensland Firebirds is a family club to its very core, and we are absolutely thrilled for Gretel and Niko as they embark on this special journey together. I’m also very proud of her teammates for the manner in which they’ve embraced the news. As a genuine team player and leader within our group, Gretel was understandably nervous to tell them through fear of letting anyone down. She needn’t have been though, for it’s as excited as I’ve seen our players when they found out there would be an addition to the team.
While she may not take the court this year, Gretel will remain an incredibly important part of our group, as her leadership and experience will no doubt be an invaluable asset across an unprecedented season. She has not missed a training session, nor does she intend to, and I know she’ll be sitting next to me on the bench for each of our games. To have that extra set of eyes, and a player of her calibre mentoring our young shooters, will be an enormous advantage, for both myself personally and for our team as we progress through the season.
However, nothing will be more important than bringing a precious new life into the world and into our Purple Family, and both Gretel and Niko will have the full support of our club throughout the year before we all welcome baby Bueta with open arms.
I know the anticipation and speculation about her replacement within our team will no doubt be news across the coming days. What I would say is our focus is not on replacing Gretel, because there is no like for like substitution for a player of her standards. What we are looking for is the best fit, both on and off the court, for our game plan and culture in 2020, in order to ensure that whoever does come in complements what I know to be an already fiercely determined squad that is set to turn some heads this season.
Finally, can I say how much we truly appreciate your ongoing support. I know the delayed start to the season has not only been frustrating for our team, but also for our members and fans. I can assure you the players have worked harder than I’ve ever previously seen to make you proud from the opening whistle in Round 1, and it will be your unwavering passion and loyalty for the purple dress that fuels them throughout the season.
We can't wait to see you in the stands.
Rose.
