Farewell, Andy Murray

Published on: January 15, 2019 by Mary Category:Uncategorised

This article was written by Nicole Hunt.

Is it possible we’ve seen the biggest story of the Australian Open this year on the very first day? I had never seen anything quite like the events that occurred within Melbourne Arena last night. When Andy Murray walked out to serve in the fifth set of his first round match at the Australian Open, 1-5 down after overcoming a two sets to love deficit to level up, the crowd was deafening. It’s not usual for an Aussie tennis crowd to cheer the underdog when they come out to serve what might be the final game of the match but this was different. Very different. They were loud and they were persistent and only Andy Murray could make them quieten down. He slowly blew out his cheeks in a long breath trying keep his composure. The stiff upper lip was almost shaky. He stepped back from the baseline amongst the noise and raised his racquet in acknowledgement to the thousands of people cheering him on. His family were in the stands and his mum, well known tennis coach Judy Murray who coached both her sons to tennis success, had tears in her eyes.

Preview: Australian Open

Published on: January 11, 2019January 11, 2019 by Mary Category:Uncategorised

This article was written by Nicole Hunt.

There’s a new chapter beginning in Australian tennis, both on and off the court. Melbourne Park, home of the Australian open continues to have the upgrade of all upgrades with amazing new player facilities that make it one of the most advanced tournaments in the world. This week the NSW Government announced an extensive upgrade to the facilities at Sydney Olympic Park, including a roof on Ken Rosewall Arena. That will at least make it feel less like you’re being fried in an enormous concrete wok when you’re trying to sit through an inevitable Alex DeMinaur comeback in the searing western Sydney heat. That kid just doesn’t know when he’s beaten. Not only have I been a spectator out at Homebush, I’ve been on those courts for some very long days myself and believe me, the facilities are in need of a bit of help.

The best women’s sports moments of 2018

Published on: January 7, 2019 by Mary Category:Uncategorised

This article was first written and published for The Roar.

It seems that with each passing year the Australian public becomes more and more invested in women’s sport.

For me, that’s the result of several things, including the lack of success of some of our elite men’s teams in recent times. Additionally, given some of the exceptional team and individual performances we have seen throughout 2018 from our women’s teams, it’s no wonder people want to get behind them. Add this to increased publicity, broadcast and coverage and you have a winning combination.

Reflecting on this year, here are some of my favourite women’s sports moments.

2019 Super Netball team welcomes 16-year-old superstar

Published on: November 30, 2018 by Mary Category:Uncategorised

This article was written by Natalie Akle.

You would never guess that high-school student, Matisse Letherbarrow, has been hurled into the deep-end of a promising netball career.

The 16-year-old’s relaxed demeanour displays no hint of worry as she juggles her netballing career and her education. The netball superstar trains a minimum of five days a week while still aiming to sit her HSC next year at her local high-school, Catharine McAuley in Westmead.

Cate Campbell shines at the Women’s Health ‘Women in Sport’ Awards

Published on: October 19, 2018 by Mary Category:Uncategorised

This article was first written and published for the Roar.

On Wednesday night, Women’s Health held their 8th annual ‘Women in Sport’ Awards at the Hordern Pavillion.

Amongst a who’s who of prominent media personalities, advocates for women in sport, athletes and representatives from sporting governing bodies, it was another opportunity for supporters of women’s sport to get together and recognise how far we have come, but also remember how far we still have to go.

Return of the WNBL highlights a longtime supporter of women’s sport

Published on: October 12, 2018 by Mary Category:Uncategorised

This article was first written and published for The Roar.

Tonight the 2018-19 season of the WNBL commences with the Sydney University Flames in action against the University of Canberra Capitals from 7pm.

While sports like AFL and cricket have received plenty of attention in recent years for launching their women’s competitions and being at the forefront of the women’s sport revolution, it’s worth noting that the WNBL, now heading into its 38th year, is Australia’s longest running elite female competition – and an exceptionally entertaining one at that.

Super Netball semis time highlights Sydney’s other venue problem

Published on: August 10, 2018August 10, 2018 by Mary Category:Uncategorised

This article was first written and published for The Roar.

With a 69-66 win over the West Coast Fever in the final round of the Super Netball competition, the Giants sealed the minor premiership and booked their place in the major semi-final, tomorrow at the Quay Centre.

It was an incredible finish to the season, particularly considering that the Fever had been at the top of the ladder for the entire season, only to be pipped in the final round.

As minor premiers, the Giants have hosting rights for the major-semi final. This would normally only be cause for celebration because of the big advantage this poses – especially against a team based as far away as the Fever.

Wendy Tuck makes sail history

Published on: August 3, 2018 by Mary Category:Uncategorised

This article was first written for and published by The Roar.

Last Saturday evening when most Australians were in the middle of their bedtime routines, or perhaps already asleep, on the other side of the world another Australian was making history.

On Saturday evening at approximately 10.52pm AEST, Australian sailor Wendy Tuck became the first woman in history to win a round the world yacht race when she crossed the line in the thirteenth and final race of the 2017-2018 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Women’s World Cups part of strategic bidding plans

Published on: July 27, 2018 by Mary Category:Uncategorised

This article was first written and published for The Roar.

This week the New South Wales government signalled its intention to be a heavy hitter in the sporting event space over the next ten years with a strategic decision announced on Monday to bid for ten world cups in the next ten years.

When it comes to women’s sport, I always say it is important to celebrate how far we have come, while continuing to strive to be better because we still have a very long way to go.

Thanks, Sharni Layton

Published on: July 20, 2018July 20, 2018 by Mary Category:Uncategorised

This article was first written and published for The Roar.

Growing up, I went to an all-girls school. Each term, different sports would be on offer and if you opted in to playing sport, you had to make a choice.

Often girls would switch from one sport to the other, but there was one term where you made a decision and stuck with it. When it came to term three and the choice between hockey and netball, it was very much an us vs them mentality.

I grew up loving hockey and hating netball. I thought it was boring, disliked the lack of contact and thought it was too girly.