Metro Jets Newsletter – April 2021
Hi Jetsetters,
A big welcome to everyone ahead of Winter Season 2021. It’s been a busy few months, particularly for our FABULOUS volunteers with the overlap between netball seasons, but still, we’re all very excited and looking forward to seeing all our Jets competing in the season ahead.
On behalf of the Committee, I would like to welcome the new players and families that have joined Jets for Winter 2021, and welcome back to all our existing Club Members as well. This week we officially start our Winter Season with Club training commencing at Priceline Stadium and St Michael’s College on Tuesday the 6th of April.
I’d also like to welcome back our Club Coaches and new Jets Coaches for 2021, along with our Club Volunteers, Committee Members and Umpires. Thank you for volunteering your time and efforts towards the development of our girls and Club.
NEW COACHING STAFF FOR 2021:
- Our GO Team – Kaylinn & Q’hara Rootman
- Primary 2 – Rachel Droegemueller
- Primary 3 – Jason O’Sullivan
- Junior 4 – Alice Rudd
- Junior 5 – Audra Mazurek
- Inter 1 – Kimberley Batley & Tennille Merchant
- Senior 4 – Kath Raegan
- PL Asst – Zoe Joyce
Two weeks ago we held our Club Winter Launch at St Michael’s College. It was wonderful to finally be able to hold an event with all our Club involved. I loved seeing all our Jets Teams, Coaches, PL Buddies and Players being called out and couldn’t get enough of the smiles on everyone’s faces. What a positive start to the season – beautiful warm weather, super support from our Volunteers, and a great turnout from our Club Members!
Lastly, a special mention must go to all the businesses and families, who have sponsored, or are continuing to sponsor Metro Jets in 2021. Thank you for the ongoing and generous support you provide towards our Club; we couldn’t do it without you, and we encourage all our members to get behind these businesses wherever possible.
Go Jets!
Rachael McLeod
City Night Summer Finals
Congratulations to all Jets Teams on a strong performance throughout the Summer Season, with a special mention to the following sides on making it through to the Finals:
Senior A2; Inter 4; Junior 3; Sub Junior 1; Primary 2.
And an extra big Congratulations to our Inter Academy side on winning the Premiership!
Premier League News
Preseason Camp in Nuriootpa
This year it was decided that we would take the squad on a camp to build strong connections, club culture and a more resilient squad.
The day started with the girls first challenge being to pitch a tent that they had not seen before and work in their groups. Of course, as soon as we began it started to rain making it very interesting and fun to watch.
Then in their same groups, the girls took on the Amazing Race through the town of Nuriootpa. They had to navigate landmarks with hands tied together, shop for items in the local supermarket, move hay bales and round up sheep. We then finished the day with a team dinner, some other fun challenges, some reflection on Club Culture and Values, and an introduction to “JETS TRUE”. It was a memorable camp and a great chance to bond and get to know one another better.
The following day we finished with games against Angaston and Nuriootpa Netball Clubs. This gave us the chance to build a relationship with these country netball teams and one we hope to continue in the future.
The Club would particularly like to thank the Nuriootpa Football Club for their amazing hospitality and sharing of their facility with the Squad.
Club Events
After a tough few seasons with COVID restrictions, it was particularly wonderful to see the Club come together as ONE for our winter season launch. It was a great Club Member turnout, fabulous warm weather and the positive vibe was tremendous.
Across the Club every team was called out individually, with their Winter Coach and their Premier League Buddy Player for the season ahead. It was wonderful to see the smiles on everyone’s faces and to take a quick snap of each team as well.
Again the Club is very grateful to all our volunteers that assisted on the day, we couldn’t do these things without you! Also to our Coaches & PL Buddies for making themselves available, and to our Club Members and families for coming along as well. Each of our Winter Teams was allocated a Premier League Buddy and they will be supporting their teams throughout Season 2021, with the hope that this will spark our “ONE CLUB” values, and the passion and drive in our younger players to want to represent JETS at the highest level possible.
Positive Partnerships – Woodside Warriors Netball Club
The last two Thursday nights, our PL Head Coach Trudy Barker and a number of Jets Premier League players made the trip up to the Mid Hills to deliver some training workshops to the Warriors Netball Club.
During these sessions, our PL representatives worked on player development, technique and basic netball skills, and over the two sessions we already saw improvements in the group and importantly a lot of fun was had by all involved.
It has been great to establish this partnership with the Woodside Warriors, and we look forward to working with them again in future, with discussions around scratch matches prior to our Winter Season already taking place.
Winter Season 2021
This week our Winter Season officially starts, with Club training commencing at Priceline Stadium and St Michael’s College on Tuesday the 6th and/or Thursday the 8th of April.
Also please add the following Winter Season Round 1 start dates to your Jets diary:
Name: Rhianne Kaluza
Nickname: Rhi/Rhiza
Age: 21
FAVOURITE NETBALL POSITION: WD
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR WORK/STUDY:
I’m currently finishing my last year of studies as a nurse. I also work as an assistant in nursing at TQEH.
HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED AT METRO JETS? WHAT DIVISION DID YOU PLAY?
I believe I started playing at Metro Jets in 2007, I was 8 years old and played in Sub Primaries. At the time it was known as Western Jets. In 2016 I joined the Jets PL Squad, I was 16 at the time and have been playing in the squad ever since, 2021 will be my 6th season.
WHY DO YOU PLAY FOR METRO JETS?
I love the club culture, it’s what invites me to play each season at Jets. I’m proud to be apart of the Jets family and around the hardworking members. We have an incredibly friendly and inviting atmosphere, I’ve been here so long it’s like a second home to me.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A PLAYER:
Hardworking, strong, relentless and a dash of white line fever.
WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR NETBALL?
My mum has definitely been my biggest influence. She is an incredible role model to me and taught me a lot of the skills I have now. My mum is always at my games and supports me to improve and achieve my goals, I love that we still have our game debriefs. Other than that, one of my now close mates Bats has been a role model to me for many years. Prior to being in the squad she was someone I would watch and admire, fortunately, I have been able to play alongside her now and am very grateful for the friendship we have.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST JETS NETBALL ACHIEVEMENT/MEMORY?
I have made many great memories and achievements at this club. I have two that I stand out: My first Reserves win in 2019 – after coming back from some tough injuries I actually cried after the game because I was so happy and proud I had worked my ass off to get back and play my same game. My other moment would be being awarded Runner Up Reserves B&F in 2019 after having a season off due to an ankle reco and pacemaker insertion, it was a big reward for me at the time for all my hard work and commitment.
OTHER THAN PLAYING WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH AT METRO JETS?
I have helped with a few clinics, trainings and club day events.
NAME 3 PEOPLE IN THE WORLD THAT YOU WOULD INVITE FOR DINNER:
Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Hart and Jennifer Anniston.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPERPOWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I’d love to be able to time travel/teleport.
WHICH OF YOUR TEAM MATES IS THE FUNNIEST:
At the moment I’d have to say it’s a tie between Pip and Chrysta, both very entertaining people for sure.
WHICH OF YOUR TEAM MATE TAKES THE MOST SELFIES?
Besides myself I’d probably have to say Tam or Tennille – they love a good snap.
WHICH OF YOUR TEAM MATES TRAINS THE HARDEST?
I’ve been super impressed this season with two of the young guns, Madi and Monet, they train hard and get the job done. I’m always impressed by the consistency of some of the experienced girls like Bats and Tess too, they always push, even when nobody is looking.
SOMETHING YOUR COACH MIGHT SAY:
I’m known for my tunnel vision into the ring so a personal one for me would be an echoing “Noooooooo” from Trudy. Otherwise a common phrase is always “give the ball”.
IF YOU WERE STUCK ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT THREE TEAM MATES WOULD YOU TAKE AND WHY?
I would take Bats for her knowledge of the ocean and marine life; I would take Tam for her knowledge of resourceful and sustainable food; and lastly I’d take Chrysta for some entertainment.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-GAME RITUALS / SUPERSTITIONS?
I’m a very superstitious person so each season I will wear the same bra and undies every game (obviously not the same from last seasons attire) and I also have to wear my hair the same way for a whole season. If I dedicate to braids, that’s my hair for the rest of the season.
WHAT FOOD DO YOU EAT LEADING UP TO A GAME?
I tend to eat heavier the night before, something like pasta and then game day I tend to eat something light before the game.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PRE-GAME SONG?
Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader is a must have, otherwise I’ll generally listen to 80’s genre.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT PLAYING FOR METRO JETS?
I play netball for the love of the sport, with this being my 14th year I think. I’m extremely passionate about the sport and I love that I’m involved with people who share that same passion, love, commitment and dedication. Our trainings are hard but we always have a good time and I’m fortunate to have made lifelong friends.
IF YOU WERE TO GIVE SOME ADVICE TO JETS YOUNGSTERS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I think we’ve all had times where we feel we’ve been overlooked and have missed opportunities. Rather than throwing in the towel or accepting it, I think the best thing you can do in these situations is work your butt off to prove that you deserve that opportunity. There is a saying that I love “what comes easy won’t last and what lasts won’t come easy”.
Good News Stories
Do you have a special occasion that you would like to share? Birthdays, wedding, achievements? The Club is keen to celebrate the positive news of our Club Members so please share your stories.
If you would like to share a celebration in the next Jets newsletter, please email our Club Secretary.
Another way you can share your good news stories with the Club is through photographs. Don’t forget the Club is on Instagram and Facebook, so make sure you tag us in your pics!
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/metrojets/
Facebook:
Club Support
We need your help! The Jets Netball Club is run by volunteers of the Jets community, and we are always grateful for any assistance. Do you have any skills that the Club can utilise? Can you offer some time to assist with events? If so, please contact Club Secretary Katrina Wood at secretarymetrojets@gmail.com
Umpiring
If you’re interested in umpiring and supporting our Club, we would love to have you on board. Metro Jets are required to provide an umpire for every game that we participate in, so we need your help. Please contact our Umpiring Coordinator, Caitlin North at metrojetsumpiring@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to know more about the process and support offered within our Umpiring Program.