City West Falcons mid-courter Clare Moylan says the week’s break for the under-age nationals carnival was a welcome refresher of body and mind for the players, but now it’s “full steam ahead” for the run in to the Victorian Netball League finals.
The Falcons are perched on top of the championship ladder – a game and percentage clear of second-placed Boroondara Express – and all but certain of making the finals.
An internal review conducted during the break must have been full of glowing appraisal.
What’s not to like about 10 wins, a draw and a loss from 12 rounds?
The Falcons have sharpened their focus on a single goal: to make amends for last year.
“We’re definitely looking long term now and aiming towards that ultimate win,” Moylan said.
The Falcons have been the most successful club in the VNL’s short history.
They went through last season undefeated before losing in the grand final.
There was a feeling around the VNL – and even within the Falcons’ nest – that 2015 might be a rebuilding year for a new-look team.
That has not been the case.
“They would’ve looked at us as a fairly different team and might have thought we weren’t going to be as strong as we have been,” Moylan said.
“It was surprising how quickly we’ve gelled, but we’ve all been so focused and willing to work.”
While last season’s shock grand final loss to the Southern Saints is a reference point for the media, Moylan hardly gives it a second thought.
The 22-year-old said it had been brought up in conversation “once or twice” around the team, mostly as a valuable learning tool.
“It’s last year to me and I’m not bringing it into this year. It gave us a taste of what it’s like when we get into those positions and … what it takes to come back and get back into a winning position.”
Moylan has been with the Falcons for the best part of six years. She was drawn to the club because of the quality of coaching from Marg Lind and Nicole Richardson, who worked closely with her in netball academies as a teenager.
A Reservoir resident, Moylan spent a season with her hometown North East Blaze but never felt settled.
“That year I wasn’t really happy with the way it went for a few different reasons,” she said.
“I had Marg and Richo at the academy, so I thought I’d give it a go at the Falcons and luckily got in.
“They’ve taught me almost everything I know in netball and have kept me on track to make sure I’m doing everything right, not just in netball. I love it here, I’ve formed great friendships and learnt so much, so I can’t really fault the place.”
Moylan will never shut the door on the hope of playing at the next level.
“I wouldn’t say no,” said Moylan on the prospect of a national league team calling. “But right now my focus is more of a team focus on the Falcons rather than worrying about my own performance and where I’m going.”
The Falcons tonight face ACU Sovereigns at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.
