Netball: Why the Sting stand out above all

By JULIE ASH

With five national titles already under their belt, the Southern Sting have been compared to some of the great provincial sports teams such as the Auckland rugby and netball sides who were unstoppable in the 1980s and early '90s.

But what makes this franchise so successful?

Sure, they have managed to lure a number of the country's top players, such as Lesley Nicol, Adine Harper and Bernice Mene and have turned Stadium Southland into one of the most feared destinations for opposing teams.

But there has to be more to their winning formula than that.

"They have a lot of good players in there but there are also a lot of good players in other teams as well," said Force captain Temepara Clark.

"I think a lot of it comes down to their mental toughness. They are very physical as well, but they have the mental toughness to finish it all off."

Former Australian player Natalie Avellino, in her first year with the Sting, said the team environment had a lot to do with it.

"The franchise really looks after the players. It is like a real family down here. Everyone kind of looks out for each other and all the players really have to do is concentrate on the game ahead," she said.

For the past three seasons, North Shore-based shooter Tania Dalton, has travelled to and from Invercargill once a week for training.

It was a journey which former Silver Fern captain Bernice Mene also made in the latter stages of her five-year stint with the Sting.

"I think [Sting coach] Robyn [Broughton] has got a lot to do with it," Dalton said.

"She has such a balanced perspective on netball and life. Netball is a big part of her life but is not the only thing and I think that transfers through to the players.

"She also makes you feel like a million dollars. You come off at quarter time and you may feel like you are not playing so well ... and she'll go, 'Oh no you're great, we love watching you play'. She makes you feel like you are bigger than Texas.

"I think that is why the Sting have always kept their composure, because Robyn never hits the panic button. You grow in confidence as a player because you know she believes in you."

Like Avellino, Dalton said the Sting environment let the players focus entirely on games. "I take [daughter] Tayla down there and they organise babysitting for me. I can go into camp and not have to worry. Just little things like that make the difference."

Broughton must take a lot of the credit for the Sting's success. The calm yet firmly spoken coach can claim the loyalty of a number of top players that she has enticed.

"I just think people enjoy it, there is a good buzz in the team," Dalton said.

"We have a few dramas. We have different personalities like every other team, we have Donna [Loffhagen] who is loud and Anna [Galvan] who doesn't shut up and then Lesley [Nicol] who trains and trains and trains and comes with two pages of notes for each game ... but we know what each other is like and have connected really well."

It would be unrealistic to suggest that the Sting's success means they could buy talent.

"I think it is a good hard work ethic and a good team environment," Broughton said.

"There is a lot of spirit and loyalty and the Sting colours and the Sting crowd mean a lot to us.

"I don't pick up and drop players and change players and I am not confrontational with them. I guess we just have a good mix."

Should the reign come to an end tonight, Broughton said the run of finals had given her plenty of memories to cherish. "Regardless of what happens, seven finals in a row is pretty magical."

SOME EXPERTS SAY IT'S TOO CLOSE TO CALL


Temepara Clark, Force captain

Pick: Sting

"The Sting have got strength throughout the court and they are always so consistent. They score off their own and any possession they get. They don't make a lot of mistakes.

"But in saying that, the Flames have improved a lot. They definitely improved from the first time we played them to last weekend.

"It will be close. It might actually come down to the shooting and who finishes off, which means it all could all fall on the shoulders of Jodi [Te Huna] and Belinda [Colling] for the Flames and Donna [Loffhagen] and Natalie [Avellino] for the Sting."

Joan Hodson, Diamonds coach

Pick: Unsure

"History says the Sting, but I think this is the best opportunity the Flames have got.

"The way that the format of the semifinals has been structured should help the Flames ... they are kind of battle-hardened.

"The umpiring will be crucial. That is what has determined a lot of the games. If you look at the semis you had two totally different ends ... one umpire allowed advantage and let everything go and at the other end they couldn't even breathe. The key for players is that they must be able to adapt. "

Kathryn Harby-Williams, former Australian captain / Diamonds player.

Pick: Unsure, but leaning towards the Sting.

"The Sting, in a close one, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Flames get up.

"If [Flames goal defence] Peta Stephens can shut down Donna Loffhagen that will put the Flames in a position to win the game.

"The Flames were really good in their last game against the Sting and that was in Invercargill. You can argue the Sting are playing at home, hence they should win, but the Flames did so well in that last game I think they will have confidence, and the expectation is on the Sting, which is an added pressure."


Nicole Dryden, Magic coach.

Pick: Can't decide.

"The only thing I am sure about is that it is going to be close. They are similar in style and although the Sting have beaten the Flames twice this season on both occasions it was very close. There were just certain instances in games where things didn't happen, missed goals or turnovers.

"I thought the Flames had a very solid performance against the Force. If they can get enough ball to their shooters I'd have confidence in them getting through.

"But I think the defence that gets more ball and creates turnovers will win their side the match because I think both teams will shoot and be successful but they have to get the ball."