Big Q&A with netball superstar Gretel Tippett

Gretel Tippett gave away a representative junior basketball career to play social netball with an old school friend. That plan quickly went out the window when she got a call out of the blue to join the state squad. Today she is one of the most exciting prospects in world netball but what’s the whole story behind our golden girl?

Gretel Tippett gave away a representative junior basketball career to play social netball with an old school friend. That plan quickly went out the window when she got a call out of the blue to join the state squad. Today she is one of the most exciting prospects in world netball but what’s the whole story behind our golden girl?

Let’s start from the beginning, tell about your time growing up on the Gold Coast?

I love the Gold Coast. I try to get down as much as possible. If it wasn’t for being with the Firebirds and having to relocate to Brisbane I’d still be living there. I have some amazing memories of growing up on the Coast. I grew up at Miami Beach and my parents still live there.

You didn’t start off playing netball. What sport did you play as a junior instead?

I followed in my brothers footsteps. They started playing basketball early on so I was always there with them. I pretty much did whatever they did, I was their little shadow. So I decided to take up basketball but we played all different sports. We did swimming, lots of athletics, cross country; we were just out the back playing every afternoon. Whatever sport we could play we’d give it a go.

Gretel Tippett aged 14 after she was selected in the Australian under 19 basketball team.

You achieved success very quickly on the basketball when you joined the WNBL - you were named rookie of the year in 2011. So what was behind your decision to switch to netball?

Basketball was all I knew growing up. From 14 onwards, it got pretty intense with lots of overseas trips and preparing for games. During high school, I was playing in Chile, Thailand and France. It was pretty full on. After a big year of juggling year 12 and playing lots of basketball I was a bit rundown and burnt out. I picked up glandular fever and was forced to stop playing so I got the chance to reassess my goals. That’s when I decided to stop and do full time university. I just wanted to have a break to see if I got the love back and if I wanted to go back to basketball.

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So you took a break and decided to cross codes to netball. Why netball?

I didn’t set out playing with the aim of playing professionally. I just joined the local social team in the Hinterland. I just went to play with my friend again because we used to play together at school. I wanted to be part of a team again because I missed that team environment. I went along to trial and didn’t do very well. I was very raw! I got the call the next day to join the state team because they had one of the players fall pregnant and she was a shooter. That’s how it all started. I’m very glad I took that opportunity.

It seems like you’ve brought a bit of basketball to the netball court with some criticising your layup like, shooting technique. How did you manage that criticism?

I couldn’t shake my basketball moves! It was in-built into me from a young but I was lucky that Rose (Jencke) embraced that style of play because she knows that I’m most comfortable when I play like that because it’s all I’ve known. It was hard when people didn’t totally love it but you’re never going to be able to please everyone.

Gretel Tippett of the Firebirds during the Super Netball match between the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning. Pic Darren England

You were recruited by QLD in 2013 but didn’t get much opportunity so in 2014 you made the move south to the NSW Swifts. What drove you to leave Queensland?

I got my opportunity at Queensland when one of the players was injured and I was asked to fill in. I went along and toured with them and absolutely loved it. Then in 2014, the Swifts flew up and met with me. I was still waiting to hear from the Firebirds but I didn’t hear from them until the very last minute. I’d already made my decision to go to the Swifts at that stage because I wasn’t sure if I’d get another opportunity anywhere else. I grabbed it with two hands and it was a really good learning year for me to move to Sydney with my brother. I had to grow up a little bit quicker but I loved the experience and learnt a lot. As soon as I got the phone call from Rose (Jencke) to come back after that season, I was over the moon because I love Queensland. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be and no one else I’d rather play for.

You returned home and managed to win two Premierships, both nail biters, against your former side. How do you reflect on those games now?

I remember mum saying at the time that this is pretty rare and you don’t get too many opportunities like this in your career. At the time I thought ok but didn’t really take it all in. Now a few more seasons later and reflecting on those games, they’re very special and something I’ll hold with me forever. I loved every minute of them and I guess the reason we all play sport is to play in those moments.

Gretel Tippett and Maddy Turner battle for the ball in the 2016 Firebirds v Swifts grand final. Pic Mark Calleja

What has the new Suncorp Super league done for the game of netball in Australia?

It’s been amazing. It’s created a lot more opportunity for Aussie netballers and pathways for young girls playing. It’s also opened up the door for our international players to come over and play. Most of the English netball team play in there and we have got our first player from Uganda playing for the Sunshine Coast. It’s an incredible league and there are no easy games. Every game matters and every game goes down to the wire. It makes it really exciting for everyone.

Gold Coast sporting family Joel, Gretel, and Kurt Tippett. Kurt plays for the Sydney Swans, Joel for North Melbourne and Gretel is with the Queensland Firebirds. The trio home for Christmas with parents Tony and Janet. Pics Tim Marsden

You’re parents obviously fed you well growing up because besides your sporting career, your brothers were both professional AFL players. How much of an influence did your family have on your career and decision to pursue elite sport?

Mum and dad always claim they played a lot of country sport in Grafton where they grew up. We never got pushed into playing anything and they gave us a taste of everything. We had to do speech and drama, music lessons as well as sport. I asked mum when she knew we were going to choose sport and she said she saw the enjoyment we got out of it. They always told us to do what we love. I think having my brothers go down that path and pursue sport inspired me. I idolise them so I was very eager to follow them.

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Who is the most successful sporting sibling in the Tippett family?

I think Joel mentioned at his wedding a few weeks ago that he thinks he is! We’re not too competitive with each other and we love supporting each other though when they come to my games, I try that little bit harder to impress them!

How did you feel when you first got the call up to play for your country?

I remember calling mum straight away and we both cried on the phone. It was a really special moment. I was very humbled and honoured. I remember the first time I got to run on in the green and gold beside my teammates which was a very special moment. My family was in the crowd as well over in New Zealand.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 21: Gretel Tippett and Laura Geitz of the Firebirds celebrate winning the round 12 Super Netball match between the Fever and the Firebirds at Perth Arena on July 21, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

You’ve played alongside some incredible Australian players. Who has inspired you the most?

I’d say Laura Geitz. When I was still playing basketball, I knew of the Firebirds and watched a few of their games on TV. She was an idol of mine when I first joined the sport as well as when I was playing a different sport. I’m good friends with her now and she’s really mentored me and helped me along the way.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Gretel Tippett of Australia passes the ball during the Vitality Netball International Series match between Australian Diamonds and New Zealand, as part of the Netball Quad Series at Copper Box Arena on January 19, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

You’ve just returned from the United Kingdom after winning the Quad series and you’ll go back in July for the World Cup. Is this Australian side at the peak of its powers?

I think we’re continually trying to improve and grow as a team. We obviously evolve over the years with different players coming in and out of the side but we still maintain the same core values and culture within the group. I wouldn’t say we’re at our peak at the moment but we’re definitely growing and evolving. We’d love to peak in July with whatever 12 they pick to go over there.