Last month Villawood Bendigo Spirit had the pleasure of heading to Tasmania to play not one but two WNBL games with Southside Flyers, along with the opportunity to explore everything Tasmania has to offer.
From the moment we landed we were straight into action in Hobart starting with a media session and shoot-around. That evening, Head Coach Tracy York, accompanied by the Spirit leadership team (Co-Captains Tessa Lavey & Maddie Garrick and Vice-Captain Anneli Maley) and Bendigo Stadium Limited staff attended a local sports leaders function at the RACV Hotel.
Tracy spoke in a Q&A panel, hosted by Sarah Gillman, alongside basketball royalty Michele Timms and Southside Flyers Head Coach Cheryl Chambers. The four discussed women in sport: playing, coaching, leadership and confidence. A very inspirational event!
Whilst in Hobart, making time to visit the Salamanca Markets was a must. Celebrating 50 years, having been established in 1972, the market consists of over 230 stallholders! Safe to say there is something for everyone and the team enjoyed their afternoon.
Game Day
The staff enjoyed a pre-game function in the beautiful MyState Bank Arena function room where both coaches spoke of the wonderful opportunity to be playing in Tasmania. Catering included grazing platters, sushi and oysters – wow!
We debuted our 2022 Indigenous uniforms designed by Tamara May Murray – read all about the design and the artist here.
Touring the Countryside
After the first game the team and staff had the privilege of engaging with the local community in various junior clinics for the Hobart Chargers in Hobart, New Norfolk, Sorell and Launceston Tornadoes. We definitely discovered some future superstars and we can’t wait to see them make their mark in the years to come.
The winner of our knockout comp! A fun day had by all.
Heading to Launceston was enjoyed by a pitstop at Campbell Town to learn about ‘Eliza and the Ram’ as well as the spectacular Cataract Gorge in Launceston. We recommend experiencing the chair lift and the bridge walk, and if you’re lucky enough, you may even spot some local wildlife!
We also liked Oatlands, delving into another part of Tasminia history is the Callington Mill.
Built in 1837, it is the only authentic 19th century tower mill in the southern hemisphere and the third oldest windmill in Australia!
The coaching team headed back to Hobart for NBL action, cheering on the Tasmania Jackjumpers in their home game v Perth Wildcats. What a great game it was in a packed-out Arena!
They even bumped into Australian Boomers & Illawarra Hawks Head Coach, Olympics bronze medallist Brian Goorjian!
Fast forward to our final night and game day in Tasmania, Spirit was determined to go 2 from 2 for the trip. Trailing by just 2 and 3 points at the breaks, a fourth quarter push saw Bendigo take the win by 8 points. Full time – 78-70.
To read the full match report click here.
There’s no place like home
After a week in Tasmania we made our way to the airport. A morning of reflecting on our trip and all the amazing people who made it possible.
We are grateful for the opportunity to bring a national level womens sporting team to Hobart and Launceston. Our team have enjoyed every minute of playing, engaging with the local communities and exploring. Thank you to every organisation who made it possible and supported the clubs.
Thanks for having us Tasmania!
Check out the Instagram Reel we made for the trip > https://www.instagram.com/p/CaxzyqCBgLJ/
A special thank you to…
Tasmanian Government – for supporting us in bringing National level Women’s basketball to Tasmania.
Basketball Tasmania – assisting us in engaging with the community and meeting our Tasmania Spirit fans.
Quest Trinity House – for looking after us during our stays in Hobart.
Zoono Sanitiser – for helping us stay safe on our travels.