GABBY COFFEY
Lightning defender and Melbourne Vixens Training Partner, Gabby Coffey, was recently elevated into the Magpies match day squad under the SSN COVID-19 Contingency Framework.
When and how did you find out that you would be travelling with the Magpies to Sydney for their Round 5 match against the Giants?
I was camping in Heathcote with my partner and his family for the Easter break. I got a call from Richo (Nicole Richardson) at 8:30pm on Friday night confirming that they needed me to come and help their team out for their game in Sydney.
How did you prepare, did you have much time?
I wouldn’t say I had a massive amount of time to prepare, but I had just enough time to get everything in order and be ready for the game. I basically found out at 8:30pm, drove back to Melbourne and got home around 10:30pm, got everything ready and flew out at 9am Saturday morning! It was a quick turnaround, luckily we got a bit of a break before the game on Saturday.
How was it joining a team that you had not trained with? Have you played with any of the Magpies athletes before?
It was actually a challenge to join a team not knowing many of the girls or the plays. I had played with Jac Newton, but that was in 2019, so a while ago. Before the game, I spent a good amount of time analysing Collingwood's set ups and defensive plays so I could be somewhat prepped on the fly. I sat with Richo and she ran me through a few plays, but basically she just wanted me to ‘see ball, get ball’.
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What was it like stepping on to the Super Netball court for the first time? Was debuting against Jo Harten?
Honestly it was nerve-racking, but in general I felt relaxed in knowing what my job was, and that I had done all the preparation already with the Vixens. It was probably only when I got on court against Jo that I recognised how much of a step up it was playing against someone who has played the game for years and is so smart in her movements. I was just trying to work her hard and hope for some ball to be spoiled!
What have you gained from your experience with the Magpies over the weekend?
I have gained so much. It was an incredible experience playing with a different team, and under Richo. I think any experience to be coached by someone new is invaluable. I learnt more about the intensity of the game and what I will need to do next time if the opportunity arises again, which hopefully it does!
