The fixture offered sports and netball fans in the Top End an exclusive chance to witness elite netball – and the world’s best netball competition – live on their doorstep.
It also offered the club a chance to connect with local netballers and continue strengthening the connection with grassroots participants across the country.
One lucky team of under 13 netballers from Palmerston Crocs Netball Club were invited along to the Adelaide Thunderbirds Round 7 match at the new Territory Netball Stadium to see the game they love played at the highest level. They were also treated to a VIP experience, heading on-court after the game to meet and greet Adelaide Thunderbirds players, including Maria Folau and Shamera Sterling.
“A lot of our girls had never played netball before and they have fallen head over heels for it since the start of the year, which is fantastic to see,” said coach Erin Jovanovich.
The club was established with senior sides in 2011 and has enjoyed numerous successes, including various premierships, Darwin Netball Association Best and Fairest winners and representation in the NT Link association championship.
In 2016, the decision was made to expand Palmerston Crocs to cater for junior grades in the Palmerston Netball Association. The club now proudly fields teams from the NetSetGO program, Netball Australia’s official started program, right through to open divisions.
“The main objective of the club is to get as many people, both young and old, involved in and enjoying the sport of netball,” said Erin.
“Since the junior teams were formed, we have participated in Netball Northern Territory’s Indigenous Carnival, and hands down the best part about what we do as coaches is seeing the growth of young girls as they become more confident on and off the court.”
“Myself and co-coach Jaime Pennington, as with our girls, are so proud to have our story shared as part of Netball SA’s Indigenous Week celebrations!”
