Darling Downs Stampede completes maiden boys State Age in quest for further success

The Darling Downs Stampede is fresh off competing in its first junior State Age Championships, and the trailblazing boys are hoping to lead the charge to welcome more young players into the sport.

NETBALL: They mightn’t go down as champions, but the Darling Downs Stampede have won the admiration of many at the Queensland Netball State Aged Championships.

The juniors were part of the first ever state titles held for the boys which wrapped up in Brisbane on Tuesday.

With five teams part of the historic venture, the Stampede came away with one win and the knowledge they’ve helped path the way for future generations.

Darling Downs director of male netball Nicole Robinson said it’s an increasing area of growth within the sport, and one the region is hoping to capitalise upon.

“Interest is growing, and we’re essentially waiting for enough players to fill a local competition and create pathways for things like State Age,” Robinson said.

“These boys were up to age 14, and we were able to pull a few younger players together to make up the team.

“We need to reach a few more schools and build up the grassroots.”

Robinson said the support the Stampede and other competing boys sides received have been immense throughout the week.

“We’ve had nothing but support the whole time,” she said.

“Many were saying ‘it’s about time’ and commenting how great it was. There were brilliant interactions from the crowds and people were really interested in watching the boys play.

“This was more about showcasing boys playing netball this year, and we're hoping next year it can be a bit more formal and we can be a bit more competitive.”

With the benchmark now set, Robinson hopes the Stampede continues to run rampant into the future.

“We just hope to be able to provide boys with the opportunity to be able to participate in the sport,” she said.

“We want to bring awareness to associations and families that it’s okay for boys to play netball. They love it.

“My son Seaton had his dream realised to play at the State Age, and he’s heading off to trial for the nationals.”

The Darling Downs Stampede boys competed at the junior State Age Championships. Photo: Darling Downs Netball Region

SQUAD ANALYSIS

Before the start of the 2022 Ruby Series The Chronicle caught up with Darling Downs Panthers coach Bec Stower to take a deep dive into the Panthers’ 12-player squad for the Ruby Series.

Caitlin Skaines. Picture: Kevin Farmer

DEFENCE

The Panthers coach is confident they have the balance right on the defensive end, with a solid mix of players and a unified approach to doing whatever it takes to get stops.

“The defensive unit is a good mix of experience and youth,” Stower said.
“We have players that show leadership which is invaluable for the girls coming into the fold.

“They all have a high work ethic and they’re willing to get into the grind for 60 minutes and play for one another.”

Harriet Nicholson (GK/GD): ”Our most experienced player. Harriet is a very intelligent defender with a good ability to read the game well and anticipate the ball.”

Caitlin Skaines (GD/WD): “Caitlin is very athletic and an instinctual player. She isn’t afraid to contest the ball and put her body on the line for the team. Is quite unpredictable.”

Jess Cerezo (GK): “Is new to us from the Wildcats region. About 187cm tall and adds that element of height into our circle. Has a good maturity about herself and working hard on her skill development.”

Molly McPherson (WD/GD/GK): “Quite an elusive player. Is very athletic and would have the highest vertical in the team. A very clean defender and an invitee for the Queensland U19s squad.”

Molly Parry (WD): “Has had two surgeries on her knee but should be ready to go by round three or four. Brought that next level competitiveness. There’s no one like her.”

Jane Herrick. Picture: Kevin Farmer

MIDCOURT

The retention of two key Panthers, along with the addition of a rising star in the sport has Stower excited for what the mid-court can provide throughout the season.

“We’ve really gone with full coverage of experience this year,” Stower said.

“We’ve got a definite opportunity to be playing in the finals again and we just need to keep the experience coming through.

“With the players running the middle, they’re smart enough to guide the team through.”

Ada McKenzie (WA): “A big presence in our attacking end with her size and strength. An experienced player who has got the ability to set up plays and is an intelligent playmaker.”

Jane Herrick (C/WA): “Been with the Panthers since 2015 and is a veteran of the team. A player who leads by example in that area of the court. Has an excellent work rate in attack and defence.”

Rylee Masoe (C/WA): “Comes to us from the Gold Coast which is a big commitment. A member of the Queensland U19s squad, is the smartest player I’ve come across coaching wise for a long time. Has a conscience of what is happening around her and how to best inject herself into a game. Good size and strength.”

Khloe Fanning. Picture: Kevin Farmer

ATTACK

One of the focal points of last year’s success was the cohesiveness in attack, and Stower is looking for that to grow to a new level this time around.

“We want to continue our connections between the goal attack and shooters,” Stower said.

“We’re also bringing in some new elements to prevent ourselves from being too predictable and really building on those areas.”

Kaylin van Greunen (GS): “A current member of the Queensland U17s team. Continues to be a big presence in the circle with her volume and accuracy. Being so young, we want to continue evolving her game and bringing new elements to keep her unpredictable.”

Khloe Fanning (GA): “Returns for another season. Has continued to really work on her fitness and strength pre-season. Is really good at assisting and going to post when needed.”

Savannah Worship (GA): “Comes to us from the Wildcats. Is only 16 and we see a lot of potential in her. Is fully aware she is Khloe’s understudy, but is pushing her which is great. Very accurate and quite mature.”

Amy Williams (GS): “Is chomping on the bit of Kaylin. Is 190cm tall and invited to the Queensland U17s squad. Is only 15 and moving forward in leaps and bounds in confidence and ability.”

A look at the Darling Downs Panthers Ruby Series squad for 2022.