IT'S been an emotional roller coaster for Strathfieldsaye's 17-and-under netballers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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But the moment they've been craving is about to arrive.
For the first time since last season, the Storm girls will hit the court for an official BFNL match, when they take on Sandhurst at the QEO on Saturday.
Storm coach Fiona Schubert said her players were incredibly excited.
"We feel very lucky to have this opportunity to play as many other competitions in and around Bendigo have not been as fortunate," she said.
It's been a long and drawn out - and at times frustrating - race to the starting line for the BFNL's junior brigade.
Pre-season training, which for many started in January, came to a halt in March in response to the coronavirus crisis, before resuming in late-May.
A month later on July 1, the BFNL cancelled its senior netball and football competitions, in the meantime extending a lifeline to its 17-and-under netballers and under-18 footballers.
Schubert said the lead-up to the season opener had not been without its challenges, but she fully commended her players for staying positive.
"To be honest it has been a roller coaster of emotions for both the players and coaches," she said.
"When we had to break from training we provided players with options for training at home but we were glad when we could return to training as a team.
"Initially without contact at training, it was limiting with what we could incorporate, so we focused on skill development and fitness during that time.
"Also the uncertainty around the season's viability in the current climate was challenging for the girls.
"As always they very fabulous and turned up every week with a positive attitude and strong work ethic despite this uncertainty.
"The past couple of weeks has been more like our true training sessions and we have been able to replicate more game-like scenarios in preparation for the beginning of the season, which has been helpful."
Like all nine clubs contesting the shortened 2020 season, Strathfieldsaye will take to the court with a mix of players from last season and others who have stepped up from the Storm's BSNA development teams.
Pleasingly for Schubert, the squad also contains two newcomers to the club.
The Storm face a tough first-up assignment against the reigning premiers, who are chasing a four-peat of flags.
Schubert said her players were looking forward to the challenge.
"The girls at Sandhurst always perform well and are a good indication of how your team is looking for the season ahead," she said.
Given the unusual length in between seasons and the battle to get there, Schubert insisted expectations and outcomes would differ substantially from previous years.
"Wins are a great motivation for players but that is not what this season's focus is about," she said.
"The development of all my players and preparing them for what is next in their netball journey is the key to success for this year.
"With a shortened season and not a lot of preparation time the first couple of rounds will be interesting to see who performs, but as I have already said we are extremely grateful that we are in a position in Bendigo to be taking the court."
She praised the playing group for doing their utmost to adhere to the many COVID regulations and protocols, which have helped put them into a position to be able to play competitive matches.
"The girls have been very respectful of the requirements that we need to follow to ensure that we can continue to train and play," Schubert said.
"We have set entry and exit points to our training court and the hand sanitiser station is just part of our training routine now.
"Our netball operations officer Belinda Christy has been wonderful in keeping myself informed of the most up to date requirements, which has been a wonderful support.
The development of all my players and preparing them for what is next in their netball journey is the key to success for this year.
- Fiona Schubert
Read more: Young Hawks eager to return to action
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