Wilkins Says No To Ferns
Tagged in: In The News, Tall Ferns
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Geoff Longley. Christchurch Press
Star forward Donna Wilkins has ruled out playing for the Tall Ferns at next year’s Olympic Games in Beijing, effectively ending an illustrious international career.
Her decision comes just days after she confirmed her netball playing days are over, having taken an assistant coaching role in the Southern Steel franchise in the new Tasman Trophy league.
Wilkins (29) said yesterday, on the eve of the Christchurch Sirens’ home match against Canberra tonight, that she had made up her mind about Beijing.
“I had advised the coaches previously that I would most likely be unavailable and I just cannot commit myself to another Olympic campaign.
“I’ve done two already and they take total commitment, you have to be at your absolute best.
“It’s difficult in New Zealand to prepare full-time while having to work part-time.”
Wilkins said fellow Tall Ferns and Sirens team-mate Aneka Kerr had been trying to persuade her to make herself available but having now taken the netball job it took her out of playing basketball during the winter when the Tall Ferns would be preparing for August.
“I haven’t played for the Tall Ferns since the Commonwealth Games in March 2006 so I guess I’ve been phasing out.
“Initially I wasn’t going to play for the Sirens but they came back with an offer which allowed me to commute from home.
“I’ve been to a couple of Olympics and three Commonwealth Games and it would be hard to top what the girls achieved at Athens,” she said.
In 2004 an experienced Tall Ferns team surprised many by qualifying for the top eight from section play with two wins before being beaten by silver medallist and current world champion Australia.
Wilkins underlined her credentials at the tournament being among the leading rebounders and earned herself a shot at the WNBA in the United States before being the last player cut on the Connecticut Suns roster.
Wilkins said she was pleased to see the New Zealand Olympic Committee had approved the Tall Ferns inclusion in the team having already qualified for Beijing through the Oceania championships.
“I know last time getting the team to go caused some friction but I think we proved ourselves. This will be a younger and more inexperienced team that goes there.”
Only two of the players that went to Athens are likely to be available this time, Kerr and Australian-based Angela Marino.
Meanwhile Wilkins’ is focusing on her next Sirens assignment against her former Canberra team-mates who she last season helped to an Australian league.
“They are one of the top teams again and will be tough. They’ve got one of the biggest players in the league in Tracey Beattie and some classy guards.”
Christchurch led Canberra by five points entering the final quarter in their first meeting before falling in a heap 25-9 in the final period to lose 76-63.
