TNL: ‘GOAT’ shooting replacement keen to have last Laugh for Hawks

The Hawks have lost key players, headlined by TNL ‘GOAT’ Ash Mawer, for their quest for a fourth straight flag. But Mawer’s shooting replacement has declared they’re motivated to prove they can win without her.

Hawks shooter Dani Laugher with under-19 co-coach Gemma Poke at the Silverdome on Thursday. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Hawks gun Dani Laugher has declared the team is motivated to prove they can maintain their dominance without sharpshooter Ash Mawer, as she prepares to step into the sizeable shoes of the TNL’s unofficial ‘GOAT’.

Laugher is generally a shooter, but played in defence last year as the Hawks marched to a third straight premiership.

Their quest for a fourth got tougher when Mawer, a six-time TNL player of the year left the Hawks for the Victorian Netball League club with the same moniker.

Outstanding centre courter Ellie Marshall, the 2023 grand final best and fairest who has been invited to train with Adelaide Thunderbirds previously, has also signed with South Australia club Oakdale.

Add another young gun Macy Goninon to the departures list and rival clubs feel they may be more vulnerable this season.

But Laugher said winning without Mawer could be right challenge at the right time to inspire the team.

“I think we’ve got the ability to go four years in a row this year,” she said.

“I think so (it’s a welcome challenge). When you have such a great player in Ash - she’s called the GOAT of the TNL for a reason - it’s easy to feel a bit comfortable I suppose.

“But I think now we have that bit more motivation and fire in our bellies. We want to prove ourselves, to step up and show we can do it without her as well, as helpful as she is.

“Teams definitely breathe a sigh of relief with those two girls (Mawer and Marshall) leaving, and Macy Goninon a great centre court has also moved away.

TNL players Lucy McArthur (Cavaliers), Lily Case (Cavaliers), Erin Quillerat (Devon), Hayley McDougall (Cavaliers) and Dani Laugher (Hawks) at the Silverdome on Thursday. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“I think they saw that and thought they’re in for a chance, but we’re definitely ready to show them all the girls are ready to step up in their place.”

Star defender Tessa Coote retired after being named the best and fairest in last year’s grand final win over the Cavaliers, but has been convinced to return.

Her presence was crucial as it’s allowed Laugher to play her usual position in attack.

“It (Coote’s return) was huge. With some interstate moves it was tricky to put our team together this year, but Tessa coming back and helping us out has been amazing,” Laugher said.

“I’ve been playing as a GA or shooter all my career except last year, which was a really cool experience.

“I definitely think there’s things I can take from playing defence, to help with my attack game. as well. Aslo defending in transition out of attack, hopefully I can force some turnovers as well.

“It’s a new look team but we still have a wealth of experience there, which is great.”

The Hawks have also recruited Emma Broadhurst from Bridport, who won last year’s North Eastern Netball Association best and fairest.

The TNL begins with two rounds this Saturday and Sunday, both at Launceston’s Silverdome.

TNL DRAW

Round 1 – Saturday

Hawks V Cripps: 19&U 11am, Opens 12.30pm

Devon V Karana: 19&U 2pm, Opens 3.30pm

Cavaliers V Kingston: 19&U 5pm, Opens 6.30pm

BYE – South East Suns

Round 2 – Sunday

Devon V Suns: 19&U 10am, Opens 11.30am

Hawks V Kingston: 19&U 11am, Opens 12.30pm

Cavaliers V Cripps: 19&U 1pm, Opens 2.30pm

BYE - Karana