2020 SSN ROUND 13 – VIXENS v FIREBIRDS

I’m so conflicted about the Mi Mi situation. Agree it would have been lovely if the coaches had planned to have her come on towards the end of the game.

But really feel for Dunkley!! From what I saw Mi Mi was standing to sub in only because Dunkley was cramping, not because of the round. But then Dunkley was fine and stayed on – which any other week would have been no problem and I’m sure the fact it was indigenous round didn’t even cross her mind. She was playing WA against the team that never upgraded her from training partner and continually chose Honey over her and she was playing fantastic (much better than Honey). After years not getting on court I can see how that didn’t cross her mind – and I don’t think people should be bagging her online! I’m sure if she could go back she would do it differently but really don’t think people should be criticising her online, she didn’t snub Mi Mi

As to whether Mi Mi should have started, it would have been great but again, the best 7 should start.

Definitely a broader problem that there aren’t more indigenous players represented, but tbh netball as a whole suffers from lack of diversity and generally more privileged players make it to the higher levels. Listening to the commentary on Sports Sunday where they were grilling Cath Cox was frustrating as of course there is more representation in football because they have so much more money to invest than netball, and the football codes have been a professional sport for a lot longer. A lot of netballers can’t afford to pursue a sport that at training partner and ANL level requires professional hours but not the pay. In saying that would love to see more investment and representation – unsure what the solution is?

Yeah agree! Hopefully now it’s becoming more professional the talent from all backgrounds won’t drop out earlier in the pathways

Samason would’ve been the first Asian Australian if she didn’t suffer from her ACL which would’ve given her some court time at the Vixens. Samason is Filipino by the way. In addition, i do think the netball community in Australia does lack diversity as this was pointed out by Mkoloma when she first arrived at Swifts. Anyways, as a Pacific Islander I loved watching Gerrard play. She would always be the attraction of interest when the Diamonds would play the Ferns in Auckland as it was unusual seeing a Pacific Islander make the Diamonds team and being put up against the Ferns which consisted of many Pacific Islanders 😂

Does Netball Australia have any programs for Indigenous/First Nations? They have U/17, U/19, U/21 & and even a squad for “Tall” players. I’m sure having an U/21 teams for Indigenous talent wouldn’t be difficult to set up and scout for?

On ABC RN just now, they reported that Jenke said she made an error of judgement not putting Mi Mi on the court on Sunday, especially after Mi Mi had done so much to promote Indigenous Round.

I think Mi Mi should have started. It’s not like she hasn’t played this year and she’d had some cracking games earlier in the season. They could have seen how the game panned out and replaced her if needed. Yes Dunkley has earned her spot and I don’t want tokenism but FFS, it’s not like Mi Mi had been brought in from a community club. The statement from the Firebirds today made me feel worse about it.