Netball bosses prepared to take action

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Updated: 7:48am – What Netball New Zealand does in the wake of the Silver Ferns dire Commonwealth Games, is how they will be measured going forward, says its chief executive.

The Silver Ferns are ranked second in the world but finished fourth on the Gold Coast, the first time they’ve missed out on a Games final.

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Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie said it had been a tough campaign for everyone involved.

Wyllie said captain Katrina Grant had done a sterling job but had to shoulder a lot.

“What we are endeavouring to do is create a group of leaders to take us forward. We have seen a lot of young talent exposed in a pinnacle event at a very difficult and crucial time in Netball New Zealand’s history.

“What we know is we will grow from this, and build resilience and we will come out stronger for the experience – what we do now will be how we are measured going forward.”

After every pinnacle event the national body conducts a review.

The review into the Commonwealth Games will involve independent, outside expertise.

Looking at the performance of coach Janine Southby, who is contracted until the end of next year’s World Cup, will be part of that too.

“We have to look at every part of the campaign and to understand and learn from what has happened in the last six months because the results have declined …everything needs to be looked at.”

Coach Janine Southby of New Zealand reacts. Photo: Photosport

Is Wyllie prepared to cut Southby’s tenure short if a review says it’s the right thing to do?

“I can’t preempt what’s going to come out of the review but we must do something different we can’t continue in the current vein so we will look at multiple different things I would imagine as a result of the campaign review.

“I know that New Zealand demands us to have the Silver Ferns performing well and so my job and what I’ll be measured on is what we do now and what changes we make and that’s what I can own and hold myself accountable going forward.”

Netball New Zealand doesn’t have a lot of experience dealing with controversy but Wyllie said hard decisions would be made if needed.

“My job is to work and do what is best for netball in New Zealand and we start at grass roots right through the pathways …so if the findings of the review mean some tough decisions and tough choices, then they will be made.”

Wyllie said they were lucky they had such loyal fans.

“I think what we’ve really come to appreciate is the fan support. They’ve been amazing and we acknowledge that they’ve stuck with us through this tournament and it hasn’t been the result that anyone wanted but we have really felt well supported and connected to our Kiwi fans.”

-RNZ

Feature image: Netball NZ CEO Jennie Wyllie Photo: Photosport Ltd 2016 www.photosport.nz

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