Emma Daffy is an enthusiastic and competitive netballer whose love for the sport has given her wonderful opportunities with fantastic success. Emma is a star goal attack for Newcomb in the AFL Barwon All-Abilities League but also plays for Lara in the mainstream Saturday Geelong FNL E Grade Competition.
Beginning in 2017, Emma initially started her All Abilities netball journey at her local Football and Netball Club, Lara. Emma found she wanted to test and expand her netball skills even further, leading her to join the mainstream competition. Emma states, “I just wanted to challenge myself. Get my intensity up, get my cardio up, make sure I get a good old challenge out there!”
It is impossible for Emma to decide what competition she likes more but finds the level of intensity and competitiveness to be the primary difference between the two. Her sense of enthusiasm and pride for both leagues is undeniable. Emma explains, “Both sides bring up a good, energetic, fun game.”
Lara Football Netball Club Netball Director, Di Van Doren always knew Emma would have the skillset and ability to be able to play both netball competitions. “Emma has always been a willing participant in all our club combined training sessions. We wanted Emma to decide when the time was right for her and have the confidence to give it a go. She has amazing skills, and her knowledge of the game is astonishing.” Di acknowledged that Emma is a much-loved member of Lara’s E-Grade team and provided valuable input into group sessions and regularly attended Club social events.
The Newcomb Power Football and Netball Club is a strong leader for the All-Abilities league, having both inclusion Netball and Football sides. Scott Smith, Newcomb’s All-Abilities Coordinator, explains inclusivity is central to the club’s values and the All-Abilities program is a valuable and vital part of the club’s DNA. Smith says, “Our inclusion programs sit alongside our mainstream and all members have embraced the programs. Providing the opportunities is very rewarding.”
Emma believes in encouraging other players of the All-Abilities League to get involved in mainstream competitions as a way of breaking down barriers between the two competitions. She suggests, “Just give it a crack! Have a go and do your best out there!”. Di Van Doren supported this by encouraging clubs to keep an open mind when considering providing opportunities for All Abilities players in mainstream Netball.
Smith agrees the biggest barrier to blending All-Abilities players into the mainstream competitions is player confidence. He says, “Once they [All-Abilities players] feel comfortable, there are no issues.”
Emma’s passion and dedication to netball have led to some great achievements through selection for the Marie Little OAM Shield. Emma represented Victoria back in 2019 in Brisbane, bringing home a silver medal. She represented Victoria a second time in Sydney last year, bringing home not only another silver medal, but was also awarded Most Valuable Player overall for the competition. She says, “It was exciting and a bit of a shock”.
However, the challenge doesn’t end there. Emma’s competitive spirit prevails as she set her sights on achieving more this year. Emma states, “I am wanting to bring back the gold instead of the silver!”.
If there are any players looking to play in any of the AFL Barwon All Abilities Netball Competitions, please contact AFL Barwon Head of Netball, Sophie Allison (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Author: Nina Hyde
The AFL Barwon All-Abilities League played their inaugural match on the 29th April 2023. Players from 4 teams battled it out at GMHBA Stadium at Kardinia Park. Among these players was Newcomb Power’s Nick English, who sent us a diary that was written in the lead up to this exciting debut game.
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Nick has not stopped talking about playing since October last year when Scott Smith invited him to join the team, he loves to train with his team mates.
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Last week Nick attended the Newcomb game against Queenscliff. He was lucky enough to warm up with the senior team alongside his favourite player Ollie Marshall. Nick ran out with the team with a smile from ear to ear.
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On Sunday Nick saw the Saints have a good win against Carlton, but this didn't take his focus off the big game under the lights at Kardina Park.
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On Tuesday Nick had got his mouth guard and is now set for the weekend.
Resting up before the school term starting on Wednesday, Nick messaged all his friends and family asking them to come along to watch.
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There was a little scare for Nick on Wednesday when he hurt his little finger playing footy at school. After icing it all night he was good to go before the last training session on Thursday.
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Nick had a smile from ear to ear at training, and afterwards was presented with his playing jumper from the Geelong Cats players along with the rest of the team.
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On Friday Nick went to the Saints v Port Adelaide game with with his Mum, Pa and cousin Tess. Although the Saints lost, Nick was still only focused on the big game.
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It’s now game day and Nick is relaxing at home getting ready to run out for Newcomb Power later that evening.
He was ready to go at 12 noon.