Brisbane North Cougars clawing at the chance of a Sapphire Series four-peat
The ACU Brisbane North Cougars have reigned over the pack since their first premiership in 2020, but this year has brought a mixed bag and now it’s time to step up. Here’s what the head coach has to say.
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The ACU Brisbane North Cougars have reigned over the pack since 2020 when they won their first Sapphire Series after going down to Wildcats in 2019.
Since then, head coach Liz White has led her side to victory in 2021 and 2022 with hopes of doing it again in 2023.
The only problem is, this year’s competition has been far more level than previous seasons, and Cougars are yet to overpower both the Jets and Titans if they want their four-peat dreams to come true.
“We were pleased to make it,” White said.
The long-standing Cougars loyal said a majority of teams in 2023 have been even in skill and have challenged the Cougars while they work to rebuild.
“It’s been a tight season with lots of good games so it’s been a close competition.
“We got ourselves here and now we need to make the most of the opportunity we’ve given ourselves.
“To win we have to beat all three teams … It doesn’t matter what order, we have to beat all three,” she said.
“If we play to our potential we can.”
With four of their players moving on to don the Firebirds’ purple in 2023, and a further two often unavailable due to training partner requirements, the Cougars have struggled all season to maintain attendance at training and games.
In the eyes of Liz White, the disruptions have stopped her team from reaching their full potential through the season.
“It comes back to how often we get to train and play,” she said.
It has left a gaping hole in not only the Cougars’ season, but others who likewise have Suncorp Super Netball athletes in their ranks.
“If you have a team that trains twice a week, that’s better than having them once a week … That has an impact on the performances and points to why some teams are up and down.”
In the lead up to this week’s semi-final against Thunder, the Cougars lost six of their Sapphire Series players during Tuesday night training due to Queensland commitments.
Despite the situation, White is confident her side can pull off the first leg in the race to gold.
“We’ve beaten them twice this year and we will go out intending to beat them again.
“They’ll be saying the same thing no doubt so it will come down to who turns up and how much they want it.
“They’ve got to want to win, not just want to play … There’s a difference,” she said in reference to the Cougars’ chances.
“We certainly deserve the spot, we won the number of games and we’ve performed when we’ve had to perform.
“But it’s a whole new ball game now.”
White said the mind games of finals season is what makes or breaks a team.
She expects the semi-final match-up against Thunder will come down to her defensive unit and how well they perform under the immense pressure.
“For us it will be our defence, they’re ability to turn over the ball and disrupt the opposition’s attack.”
And while most of the games this season have come within 10 goals, White keeps it no secret she would rather win by 100 than one.
“The only reason I say that is because it’s easier sitting on the bench.
“Less grey hairs,” she said.
Fans will know the Cougars’ Sapphire fate on Sunday night, a win meaning preliminary finals next week and a loss resulting in elimination
Meanwhile, the Cougars Ruby league side will face the Carina League Club Tigers in a non-elimination final.
The winner of that match will proceed to the grand final while the loser must win their preliminary final next week.
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