THIS is the super headline act we need to get back in the game: Super Netball's reigning premier making Ballarat home in warming up for its title defence.
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We were denied what had been billed as the Battle of Ballarat last year - Melbourne Vixens against Collingwood - like we lost a lot of things in lockdowns. But that makes this upcoming double dose next month even sweeter.
Melbourne Vixens and Netball Victoria did not forget us.
The Vixens will host Adelaide Thunderbirds for back-to-back hit outs at Ballarat Sports and Events Centre, home of Wendouree Netball Association, in what is to be the highest level of netball on our courts for almost 10 years.
Ballarat worked hard to secure a four nations international 21/under series at what was Wendouree Sports and Events Centre in 2012. We hosted Australia, New Zealand, England and Samoa's best emerging netball talent.
Now-Australian Diamonds Maddy Proud and Gabi Simpson were leading the Aussie charge. Both Proud (NSW Swifts) and Simpson (Queensland Firebirds) have since become strong leaders for their Super Netball clubs.
We did this despite the dilapidated off-court facilities Ballarat's indoor sports bodies have championed so hard for change. The facilities we have at BSEC - and the added upgrades in the works - were still a hope.
While BSEC was being built, a pre-season Super Netball bout between Collingwood and Queensland Firebirds drew 2,500 fans to Bendigo Stadium.
Yes, COVID restrictions will come into play for our turn but this is the kind of netball match BSEC and affiliated partners, such as Wendouree Netball Association, have been vying to secure for a long time.
When it came to basketball, before BSEC we had the Minerdome and while this hosted elite hit-outs - including an Australian Opals' camp before the 2016 Rio Olympics - it was clear Ballarat was on borrowed time. Our facilities, while hosting 2006 Commonwealth Games basketball matches, needed to update to keep in line with modern athlete needs.
Basketball Ballarat's strong ties and support from National Basketball League club Melbourne United and Women's National Basketball League clubs Bendigo Spirit and Melbourne Boomers, coupled with the promise of a new stadium, kept our crowds on pre-season agendas for so long.
But the Minerdome could not house netball.
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To have the Vixens lock in a weekend, complete with a community netball clinic, is a massive deal.
To see Super Netball clubs in action can not only inspire youngsters on their sporting pathways, but also reignite a love for the game among seniors who had spent so long off the court.
Vixens and Lightning will arrive in Ballarat just as the region's footy-netball ranks are returning to play and what better way to start the season.
The Vixens conquered hub life in Queensland largely by sticking to the game's fundamentals - ensuring these were sharp - to be prepared for anything. Vixens' vice-captain Jo Watson gave West Vic Academy of Sport's netball program a reminder of this direct from the Queensland hub last August.
This is an important lesson now as netballers across the region start warming up and getting back on court.
If you need a reminder - now Ballarat finally gets a chance to see the reigning premier put this in action up close.
To host the Vixens is more than a step back to normal for Ballarat sport. This is a key step in reinforcing our reputation as a major sporting hub for Victoria with plenty to offer.
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