According to the Parkes Spacecats captain, Claire Barber, how close players are off the field makes a big difference to their performance on the field.
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Barber returns for her third season in the Group 11 competition, making her one of the most experienced players for the side this year.
She is one of eight original Spacecats to return – joining 15-year-old Emeline Lavaka who is in her second season, Demi-Joyce Winter (second season), 19-year-old Emma Bayley (second season), Louise Edwards (third season), Nicole Mapperson (second season), Codie Wakefield (second season) and 18-year-old Sami Afele (third season).
This year the Spacecats boast a relatively younger side, with 11 new players joining the team – nine of them aged between 16 and 18 years old.
Spacecat supporters will expect to see the likes of Lauren Chester, Hannah Noakes, Erin Dwyer, Bethany Magill, Alice Maier, India Draper, Casey Patton, Paige Hay, Bel Crain, Lexie Ward and Tyannau Goolagong, in action for 2017.
Even though the girls are preparing for just their second match of the season this weekend, they’ve played two trial games and attended a gala day.
And what has stood out for the 19-year-old captain, and many of the players themselves, is how quickly the side has gelled together.
“We’re all mates,” Barber said.
“We’re not just a team, we hang out together.
“It’s great because it shows on the field – being close off the field creates a positive attitude on the field.”
Barber said the new recruits stepped up when they were needed and have accepted the challenge.
She also praised their natural athletic abilities and how fast they have progressed since their first training session.
“They’ve matured in their ability, game sense, how they read the game and what they’re required to do,” Barber said.
“What I love about this game is the group of girls I play with, the speed of the game and the skill it takes.”
Last season’s spectacular grand final showdown between Parkes and Dubbo CYMS was enough to persuade new recruit Chester to join the side.
For Maier and Noakes, they were recruited by the side’s coach Joe Spicer.
“We played (league tag) at school and we did alright so Joe told us we could join the Spacecats,” Maier said.
The three new players said they enjoyed the fun of the game and playing with a team.
“The team has a good vibe – we’ve all gelled together pretty quick, which makes us play better,” Noakes said.
The girls have no particular goals, just to play the best footy they can.
“Maybe try and beat Forbes,” Noakes laughed, “I really want to improve my position.”
Maier said her ultimate personal goal would be to receive a kick off the fifth play and score a try.
The Spacecats head to Dubbo on Sunday to face the Macquarie Raidettes at 10.30am.
