Netball: The golden girl

Q: What is your earliest netball memory?

A: I was nine and playing goal attack for my primary school team.

I was going for an intercept and I fell flat on my face. It wasn't a good experience because the coach took me off because I was crying non-stop.

Q: Did you always want to be a goal shoot?

A: Yeah ultimately. It is always cool to know that you are the one that has to shoot the goals and it gives you something to do like going and practising during lunch time and morning tea breaks.

Q: How do you deal with the pressure of being goal shoot?

A: I don't really think too much about it. I try to concentrate on what we are doing as a team, our team goals and team structures. I don't try to individualise myself too much.

Q: Has netball always been your number one sport?

A: No, actually, athletics used to be. When I was growing up I thought I'd be a great athlete and I did quite well in the hurdles - the 100m and 400m hurdles.

Q: Which of your opponents gives you most the grief?

A: Vilimaina Davu. I suppose it is her presence and her physical ability to drain you totally. She is unbelievably strong ... and I am quite glad she is on my team.

Q: How do you feel about playing your 50th game for New Zealand?

A: You play your first one and that is exciting and cool and you are totally jumping out of your skin. Then you kind of lose track and then all of a sudden someone mentions that it is your 50th and you are like, 'Oh my God, that is amazing'.

Throw in your 72 games for South Africa and the total of tests you have racked up is fairly impressive.

The most exciting thing about it is there is so much I still want to learn and to achieve.

Q: Such as?

A: Like perfecting my game outside the circle. You know when I go outside the circle I still cause havoc. And not to doodle when I do things but actually run with purpose. To be stronger on defence because I am sure I can do more defensively. There are heaps of things I want to do and I still want to get 100 per cent (shooting-wise) in a test.

Q: What do you think has been the key to your success.

A: I am open to criticism and new ideas.

Q: Do you have a favourite game?

A: The final of the world champs 2003.

Q: What about the ugliest game?

A: That was against Trinidad and Tobago in the 1995 world championships when I was playing for South Africa. I cried for about a day and a half after that game. I played against a girl called Jennifer and she spat in my ear, slapped me, held on to my skirt and swore at me. I just couldn't handle the jandal and she was half my size! We still won that game just - after I totally fell apart.

Q: Do you think the game has become too physical?

A: No. I love the physical aspect. It spices it up a bit.

Q: What has been the best piece of advice you have been given.

A: To believe in yourself because if you don't believe in yourself then nobody else will.

Q: Have you considered coaching or umpiring?

A: Absolutely. Definitely coaching not umpiring. Even if I got paid I wouldn't be an umpire ... no way. I love coaching, I do a little bit now with a school team but nothing too strenuous.

Q: How does your life in New Zealand differ from South Africa?

A: We brought a bike for [daughter] Bianca and we can let her ride outside our yard. We can take her to the park and she can ride her bike there. We can go for walks next to the riverbank without looking over our shoulders thinking someone is following us. We don't need bars over the windows or the doors ... I can go on and on. It is just having that safety and freedom.

Q: Any plans for retirement ?

A: I take it year by year. I have no injuries, touch wood. My husband and my daughter totally support me. They keep on saying I can't stop now because they enjoy it too much. Hopefully I'll be around for 100 tests more.