Netball hits great heights at Flinders

(posted 17.08.10)
      
There were some stunned faces at Matthew Flinders Anglican College yesterday when Australian Diamonds captain Sharelle McMahon walked into the indoor courts.

Fresh off a comprehensive victory over Jamaica on Sunday, McMahon surprised the school's Vicki Wilson Cup team, which is preparing to take on the state's best teams this week, with a coaching clinic.

“I love coming up to Queensland. Mooloolaba's one of my favourite places to visit,” McMahon said while the girls went through their paces.

“It's worked in really well and it's good timing, with them going into their tournament tomorrow.”

With two Commonwealth Games gold medals and one silver in her trophy cabinet, McMahon is preparing for October's Delhi games.

Australia capped off a clean-sweep of Jamaica at the weekend and is looking forward to a two-game Test series against New Zealand before heading to India.

“That'll be a really big test for us. Hopefully we'll come away with the win and some pretty strong competition from it,” McMahon said of the New Zealand series. “The three Commonwealth Games I've been to we've met them in the finals.

“It'll be great competition and a bit of a test for both teams, to get a gauge on where we're sitting.”

McMahon, 33, said her fourth Commonwealth Games campaign could be her last.

“I don't know for sure but it's getting to that time where I'm thinking about retirement and when's the right time,” she said.

“But we've got the World Champs next year, so I'll be hoping to still be around for that."

Photo above (Sunshine Coast Daily: Sharelle McMahon (centre) with Flinders netballers Rhiannon Smith, 16, (left) and Naomi Fitzpatrick, 14.

- story Travis Meyn; photo Brett Wortman (Sunshine Coast Daily)

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