Kim Ravaillion named 2023 Firebirds captain, reveals pain over Australian Diamonds Commonwealth Games snub
Her Diamonds snub was the talk of Super Netball last year but Kim Ravaillion says she learned some crucial lessons from the ‘deflating’ experience.
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Queensland Firebirds captain Kim Ravaillion has opened up about her shock Australian Diamonds snub of last year, conceding she “self-imploded” from the disappointment and learned a lot about leadership in the process.
The 29 year old has once again been voted in as captain by teammates after answering some “pretty brutal questions” as part of the Firebirds’ new-look leadership selection process.
But last season the star mid-courter did everything she could to avoid answering questions; concealing her disappointment over missing Diamonds selection because, in her mind, stoicism was the only way to be a successful captain.
It wasn’t until later in the Super Netball season, after a dip in form and self-confidence, that Ravaillion realised she didn’t need to be “perfect” to be a good leader.
“The thing that I learnt in that time was I kind of kept it to myself. I thought being the captain meant not showing anyone that you’re bothered by it,” Ravaillion told News Corp.
“I learned I should have spoken about it and told the girls how I was feeling and got them involved a little. Instead, I kept it to myself and self-imploded almost, which was a bit silly.
“(At first) I thought when you’re captain you have to do everything right and be on your A-game all the time and if you’re not, pretend that you are.
“But I’ve since learned I don’t have to be perfect all the time. I can rely on others to lead and step-up, and to speak up when I don’t feel like it or when I don’t need to. I’m glad I experienced (last season’s lows) because I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Since she returned to the Firebirds in 2021, Ravaillion has established herself as one of the best centres in Super Netball.
Both the stats sheet and the eye test deemed her worthy of a Diamonds call-up last year and when it didn’t come there was understandable shock from all corners, including some of her former Diamonds teammates.
They questioned why and so-too did Ravaillion, who began to wonder whether her form was as good as she believed it to be.
“It was a very tough period. At the time I was like, ‘Oh I’m OK, I’m fine” and obviously when I went out to play I realised I wasn’t OK, and it showed in the way I was playing,” she said.
“I lost a little bit of confidence and didn’t really back myself the way I should have, because when you feel like you’ve put it all out there and feel like you might get that opportunity and it doesn’t come, it’s so deflating.
“Now I’m comfortable sharing (the disappointment) within this group. I’m very comfortable being myself and being able to share any emotion that I may be feeling and it’s the same with all the girls in the group now.
“We have other girls who have been with the Diamonds who have missed out on tours (as well). It’s all about getting it out, talking about it and making sure they feel confident in this team environment.”
The two-time Commonwealth Games medallist and 2015 World Cup winner may not have added to her 60 Diamonds caps in 2022, but she has not given up hope of doing so in the future.
Until then, it’s all about an exciting young Firebirds team and how Ravaillion can help build the kind of winning culture that made them the most successful franchise during the ANZ Championship era.
“We have had success but that is in the past now. It’s all about rebuilding for the success we want to have now,” Ravaillion said.
“It’s my third season back with the team and it has changed every year. This year feels really warm, actually.
“We’ve got a lot of the younger Sapphire (Series) girls that have all played together before and it feels like I’m part of their team actually, which is really special.
“Having them join the team and hearing them talk about their culture and successes has made our team even more special – I feel we can learn a lot about what they have created and bring that into our (Firebirds) environment.
“We’re probably going to be underdogs – that’s the talk already – but if anyone loves to be an underdog it’s me, because it gets rid of the pressure and we can come out and surprise everyone.”
The 2023 Super Netball season begins March 18.
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