Netball
27 September, 2024
Mackay inspiring teammates
Minyip Murtoa A-grade netballer Claire Mackay made her A-grade debut in round five against the Southern Mallee Thunder. She shot 24 goals in goal-attack and never looked back, making the position her own and inspiring her teammates at the same time.
Mackay shot 237 goals in 12 games, but one of her best attributes was her leadership and spark. She said she learned a lot and is looking forward to 2025.
"I was pretty lucky to get the call-up and had lots of support, and the club is awesome, and I just can't thank my coach Kirby Knight enough for giving me the opportunity," Mackay said.
"The girls are a great group, and it's been fantastic playing alongside them.
"It's been challenging and different moving up from B-grade, as the game is quicker and you need to be smarter with how you play, and whilst it has been challenging and difficult at times, I am learning a lot about my style of game and how the other girls play."
Kirby Knight said Mackay lifts everyone.
"She has been quite a steady player and an impact player in the B-grade for several years, so seeing her take the opportunity in the A-grade by the reins and rolling with it is good for us and a great asset to have," Knight said.
"Having the movement and a steady head and the experience playing at that level of competitiveness in finals helps, and she is a player that takes the pressure on board and rolls with it, and doesn't crumble under that pressure and steps up when needed.
"What she provides is important, as it's not getting in there just to shoot goals; it's getting there and providing support to the midcourt and running out a game regardless if the ball is going in the hoops, and that's all you can ask of your players, and Claire provides that."
"She pumps everyone up, and they lift, and when she sinks the long bombs, it lifts everyone around her, and we are lucky to have her."