Heat Netball Club president Renee Fitzgerald believes a welcoming environment has been instrumental in the growth of the standalone club since its inception in 2014.
Heat has five teams competing in the 2021 winter netball season, which includes Heat 1, who is competing in Section 1 for the first time the club’s short history.
Heat 1 currently sits fifth on the Section 1 ladder and recorded its first-ever win in the top-tier on Friday night, defeating Diamond Creek 2 by ten goals in a 40-30 result.
Heat 2 is also enjoying great success and tops the Section 5 ladder following a 33-18 win over Thomastown 2 last week.
As for the club’s other three teams, Heat 3 is sitting fifth in Section 7, Heat 4 is third in Section 10 and Heat 5 is also top of the table in Section 13 – meaning all five teams are well and truly in finals contention in 2021.
Speaking to NFNL.org.au, Heat president Renee Fitzgerald said she has been proud of the growth of the standalone club since its introduction to the NFNL.
“The journey for us was to have a club that everybody felt welcome at, regardless of your standard,” Fitzgerald said.
“We wanted everyone to feel like they could come and play for us.
“And I feel like the club has definitely built that club atmosphere.”
Fitzgerald said she was initially surprised that Heat 1 would be playing in Section 1 for the first time this winter season.
However, she has been happy with how well the girls have developed to this point of the season, playing against powerhouse sides like Diamond Creek and North Heidelberg.
“We just go out there each week and put what we can out there and come away learning each week from playing against these amazing teams and players,” Fitzgerald said.
“Initially we were worried about it, but the girls are taking it in their stride and turned it into a real positive.”
The task does not get any tougher than this week’s challenge, with Heat 1 facing off against the pinnacle of NFNL netball, Diamond Creek 1, this Friday night.
Fitzgerald confirmed her side will be without star defender, and former Diamond Creek player, Simone Turner for the clash this week.
But she said her side was hoping to learn off the stars of Diamond Creek in an invaluable experience.
“We’re looking to learn from playing against the likes of Stacey Gannon, Bronwyn Taylor and those kinds of girls, who have a world of knowledge,” Fitzgerald said.
Heat 2 faces yet another top of the table clash too, facing off against Epping 1 at La Trobe Sports Stadium.
Fitzgerald said that whilst the playing group was excited to play in its second-consecutive first versus second match, they wouldn’t get too ahead of themselves.
“We’re pretty excited, but obviously not getting ahead of ourselves because there’s plenty of other good teams in Section 5 as well,” she said.
“We’ll just go again this week and see how we go.”
Fitzgerald said the likes of Michelle Kneale, Crystal Phillips and Courtney Patterson have been ultra-consistent this season.
And she also has been impressed by the form of Rupinder Kaur, who previously represented India at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
“She (Kaur) has come and joined us this year,” Fitzgerald said.
“She’s had great experience playing for her country in the past and she brings a lot of knowledge to our club.”
Fitzgerald manages an impressive juggling act, serving as president, coach and a player, all in one.
However, she said a strong support crew helped make managing the club a rewarding experience.
“It’s very hectic that’s for sure. But luckily, we’ve got good support crew and helpers around,” she said.
“The club’s very lucky we have lots of people invested in it.”
