Netball: Concerns persist over depth of talent

By JULIE ASH

There is concern over the depth of netball talent in New Zealand with all but two teams in this year's national league sporting import players.

Imports are not new in the National Bank Cup.

In 2000 the Diamonds lured Jamaican shooter Elaine Davis into their side, South Africa Michelle Tupper was part of the Magic while Irene van Dyk joined the Shakers.

A year later, South Africans Leana du Plooy and Corlie Oberholzer were among a handful of overseas players involved in the competition.

In the last two years the competition has been virtually import-less but this year every team except the Flames and the Rebels have acquired an overseas player.

The competition rules allow one import per team. But does having so many involved this year expose weaknesses in New Zealand netball?

Not necessarily says Rebels coach Lois Muir.

"We have imports because everyone in the league is looking for the end result, but we really have to do more development work at the level underneath this competition.

"We have to grow New Zealand players and at the moment we haven't got the steps in place," said Muir.

"I am happy to have imports. They are good for the public to come and see. I don't think it shows weaknesses; it shows the league has gone to a different level."

Despite losing several senior players this season, the Rebels decided against employing an import - something Muir said in the long run will probably cost them.

"I have got a young team ... they are going to be good players for the future and I am thrilled that I can give them court time. But we probably won't be in the top four," she said.

Muir believes there is a distinct gap between the Silver Ferns and the next level which needs to be addressed.

"When those people retire ... where are the next level coming from?"

Ideally, Muir said, it would be great to have a second team, competing in a level below the NBC, but at the moment that concept is too expensive.

"Most of us are working in isolation. We have a future Rebels group ... but we are doing it as a franchise expense. There needs to be another tier in there with the blessing and assistance from Netball New Zealand."

Diamonds coach Joan Hodson also believes more thought needs to go into player development.

"They say there are shooters being developed. Well, I have yet to see them," Hodson said.

"If I could buy a 95 per cent shooter then I would at the drop of a hat."

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken said she is comfortable with the depth in New Zealand and is happy with imports playing in the national league, provided it stays at one per team.

She said the New Zealand A team, under-21s and the secondary school competition continue to provide the Silver Ferns with an adequate breeding ground.

"I think what that next group of players need is still more exposure to international competition.

"I think the fact the New Zealand A team is playing Australia is wonderful."

Imports

Force: Matelita Shaw (Fiji)

Diamonds: Kathryn Harby-Williams (Australia)

Magic: Liezel Wium (South Africa)

Flyers: Joanne Morgan (Australia)

Shakers: Karen Aspinall (England)

Sting: Natalie Avellino (Australia)