Super Netball: Amy Parmenter on Mavericks move, Giants past and league future

Part of the attraction for Amy Parmenter in taking up an offer from new Super Netball club the Melbourne Mavericks was her urge for adventure. She opens up about her transition into a leader at the league’s newest club.

They say be careful what you wish for.

Part of the attraction for Amy Parmenter in taking up an offer from new Super Netball club the Melbourne Mavericks was her urge for adventure.

Certainly, if it was change she was seeking, Parmenter has it in spades.

The player who practically grew up at the Giants, coming through the ranks under the watchful eye of veteran mentor Julie Fitzgerald as the young gun in a team chock full of experienced athletes, is now the leader of the league’s newest team and the one others are looking to as the Mavericks search for their first win.

“I think I was dying for like that adventure – not even just to do with my netball but I think I just wanted to see what else was out there and explore the rest of the world – so I think I definitely was yearning for a bit of excitement and adventure in that sense and the fact that my partner was in exactly the same boat and he wanted a change too and he wanted to try something new, it was an easy decision,” Parmenter said of accepting coach Tracey Neville’s approach.

Amy Parmenter has setlled in as a leader at the Mavericks. Picture: Joanna Margiolis, Netball Australia

“I always felt like Julie and the Giants did believe in me – I never felt like that was ever an issue.

“Julie signed me as literally a kid and gave me that spot in wing defence, so I’ve always felt like Julie believed in me in that sense.

“But I think it’s just seeing Tracey believe in me as someone from the outside, I think that’s what makes it different.”

With that belief comes pressure though.

“I think it does bring expectation and pressures and I think that’s the growth that I’m looking forward to, to be able to push myself in those areas and really see what I’m capable of.”

Amy Parmenter practically grew up at the Giants, but has made a major move this season. Picture: AAP

Parmenter pulled in three crucial intercepts at wing defence last start in a 69-62 loss to unbeaten West Coast Fever that showed the Mavs are on the right track … if not the fast track.

It was never going to be easy for a team that had just months to assemble after the demise of Collingwood.

Throw in the contracting delay caused by last year’s bitter pay dispute and season-ending injuries to two major players and suddenly, the Mavs are in the fight of their lives.

That won’t dull the hunger of players like Parmenter and her vice-captain Eleanor Cardwell to succeed though.

And the tests will only make them stronger.

“I think from the first second, it’s been all about building a culture,” Parmenter said.

“It’s been actually amazing to be a part of that and to really go through the steps like what are our values, what does that look like in person; how are we going to have those hard conversations; how are we going to be vulnerable with each other?

“Stuff like that is really the building blocks to what makes a good club.

“I don’t think clubs like enjoy because they win every years - no club wins a championship every year - but it’s the ones that have really strong values and culture and do have a purpose that drives them.

“Culture is key.”

Giants wing attack Chelsea Pitman and Mavericks star Amy Parmenter contest possession. Picture: Getty Images

Culture alone won’t win you games.

But if the Mavericks have spent enough time on those foundational building blocks, it should ensure they don’t fall apart under the immense pressure that will come their way this season.

Less than a month into their existence they head into Saturday’s clash on the Sunshine Coast with an 0-3 record and are massive underdogs against a Lightning outfit that was touted as a title contender given its savvy recruitment but will be out to atone for a lacklustre home loss last start.

But there’s hope.

“Obviously I’m frustrated we couldn’t get the win because I feel like we really brought it to them,” Cardwell said after the Fever clash.

“But a lot happier with how we performed.

“There’s still patches where we still do sill things (like) throwing the ball away and it’s all us rather than them doing anything to us, so more positive and we’re going in the right direction.”

Amy Parmenter is desperate to steer the Mavericks to their first ever win. Picture: Getty Images

In Sunday’s match, the unbeaten Vixens host Queensland Firebirds (1-2) in a match that shapes as a real test for the Victorians.

“They’ve been quite impressive with what they’ve put out so far,” Vixens vice-captain Emily Mannix said.

“I think they’ve been underrated leading into this season.

“You can’t underestimate any team so we’re going to have a look at them but the real focus is on us and what we can improve on and take into (Sunday).”

Originally published as Super Netball: Amy Parmenter on Mavericks move, Giants past and league future