For Holly Fowler, her return to netball in the Robinhood Stars dress was one that brought about a colour-wheel of emotions.
After two seasons with the Splice Construction Magic, Fowler returned to the Stars for the 2022 ANZ Premiership campaign. Fowler is a Stars foundation player and made a successful return to the court during the Stars’ season-opening 57-52 victory over the Trident Homes Tactix in Christchurch.
“It was good to finally step back out there in purple. I was very nervous in the lead up to the game and probably throughout the first quarter which I’m sure showed. I’m really happy and proud of the team that we pushed the first quarter aside and got on with it. We found our groove and were able to pull the game back and get the win.” Fowler said.
Fowler was a standout on the court against the Tactix, playing the whole game in the wing defence bib and hauling in two key intercepts and being a nuisance towards the Tactix attack all match, while providing great assistance to the Stars offence as well.
Fowler combined well with dynamic defensive duo Anna Harrison and Elle Temu and admits while they made a slow start, the end product was great.
“We definitely eased into it and were quite quiet in the first quarter which was a case of adjusting and getting a good feel for each other. I think it was good we were able to build as a unit throughout the game. It’s shame we didn’t start like that, but we were happy we got there in the end and set up and picked up ball which was good.”
After a nervy start from the Stars which saw them down by five goals after the first quarter, they sprung into life and began to play like the confident unit they were for much of last season.
Despite a disrupted start to the campaign due to Covid-19 implications and many unknown factors to contend with, Fowler says the performance against the Tactix was a by-product of the high standards the group continue to set no matter what’s in front of them.
“I think it shows the true strength of the team to pull ourselves up after being down and to find our feet. There’s a lot of work-ons for the next game and we know it wasn’t perfect, but that’s good. As a defensive unit we identified key strengths that we can keep hammering moving forward.” Fowler explained.
“It’s exciting to think that in the first game we haven’t quite hit our straps and can get better. We’re quite harsh critics and it’s the little things we need to adjust and work on which will make a big impact on the upcoming games. “Fowler added.
The Stars defence will get another boost when they travel to Invercargill to face the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel, with Silver Ferns defender and another Stars foundation player Kayla Johnson cleared to pull the purple dress on for the first time since 2019.
“Kayla’s another great player we can add in the defensive end which will probably change the dynamic a bit as well. It’s such a competitive area of the court and it’ll bring the best out of all of us defenders to fight to get a spot on the court.” Fowler said.
Fowler believes the competition for court time within the squad is healthy and will only bring out the best in players. She says everyone knows they have a key role to play in helping the team be successful.
“Kiri is a really great coach in the sense that she knows what a player brings in terms of strengths and I think sometimes in other weeks it means players may move around to combat what we’re up against each week. We’re 100 percent a team of 10 and not seven and any player could be out there at some point throughout the season and it’s up to us to put our hands up to be demanding and taking the opportunities with two hands to stay out there this season.”
The Stars face a Steel side who will looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the MG Mystics at home and Fowler isn’t expecting the same Steel performance two games running.
“I honestly expect the Steel to come out firing – they won’t be happy with their last performance and will be looking for a win. What will be key for us is to start well in the first quarter which can give us the best opportunity to play well for the rest of the game.”
ANZ Premiership Round 3: Robinhood Stars vs Southern Steel- Sunday 27th March 4:10pm, ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill
