Experienced duo ready to lead youthful Darling Downs Panthers

With a young squad and a new coach at the helm the Darling Downs Panthers have turned to two of their veterans as captains. Discover their goals ahead of the 2023 Ruby Series here.

New Captains. Ada McKenzie and Jane Herrick have been announced as the Darling Downs Panthers senior captains for the upcoming 2023 season. Photo: Contributed.

NETBALL: The Darling Downs Panthers have announced their senior captains for the 2023 season.

Taking the reins are two seasoned veterans, eager to help their young teammates find success.

Ada McKenzie and Jane Herrick are the two captains that will lead the Panthers this season.

Now entering her third season in a captaincy role, McKenzie has the experience required to steer a young player group to victory.

“I did want to be captain,” she said.

“I enjoy the responsibility that comes with the role and I am grateful for the opportunity.

Ada McKenzie. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Heavily involved with the club, McKenzie does a lot of work with the Cubs development programs and the clubs social media.

Acknowledging that it’s a young side and with a new coach, McKenzie has clear ambitions and goals for the year.

“We want to make the top four,” McKenzie said.

“We will definitely push for the top two as well.

“We were really close last year and we know that we have the talent and the capability to be successful, it’s just going to come down to us applying this on the court and in the tough moments.”

McKenzie said she is looking forward to working in tandem with Herrick, touting their ability to work together effectively.

Earlier this year Panthers head coach Camille Dowling stressed the need for her side to “get comfortable being uncomfortable”.

McKenzie and Herrick have taken on Dowling’s mantra, but the duo also bring different qualities to the role.

McKenzie is a positive vocal presence while Herrick provides her cool-calm and collected approach of play.

Jane Herrick. Picture: Nev Madsen.

A paramedic during the day, Herrick is constantly faced with challenging and stressful situations, making her a logical choice as captain.

“I’m excited and honoured to be in a captaincy role,” Herrick said.

“I’m really proud that my teammates believed in me and have my back.

“I’ve been in some sort of captaincy role for about six years, so I do have some good experience with it.”

Herrick is excited to be working with McKenzie, saying that they are both great mates on and off the court.

Herrick also stressed that it is a tough road ahead, as they do not have the same level of training opponents in Division 2 sides, whereas Brisbane based sides can regularly train against Division 1 players.

The Panthers have a trial match the weekend in Brisbane against the Queensland Suns.