For Georgia Tong, it’s all about keeping things simple despite the chaos. Whether it’s finding out about your Silver Ferns debut the night before you play, and staying zen, or going with the flow this season regardless of Covid related headaches (both literal and metaphorical). Or, eating a spaghetti, ham and onion cheese toastie before every game. Habits like that and listening to bass heavy house music pre-game seem to be working for the WBOP Magic defender, who’s shown a steady improvement across her first two seasons with the team.
“At the moment I’m working on my Goal Defence game, it’s still a somewhat new position for me. Just working on gaining more confidence.”
When asked about defending the best shooters in the league, Tong casually rattles off a breakdown of opponent tendencies and the nuances of in-circle defence. Suddenly that work becomes clear. Despite the buffering and lacklustre quality of Zoom there is an obvious enthusiasm surrounding the 27-year-old as she talks about this year’s squad.
“Being in the team last year, it’s a different feel. The feel on the court isn’t the same. The first win, it didn’t feel like that was just a fluke.”
Having finished bottom of the ANZ Premiership last year, it’s clear both Tong and the Magics are hungry to change the team culture.
“We’re really wanting to switch the mindset. Our vision for Magic has the word transform in it. We’re trying to completely change the Magic brand, the way that we play and the way people see us.”
A brand that includes jet plane lollies at halftime and compulsory nicknames for everyone, including Bailey ‘Barry’ Mes, who returned from her world cup campaign with both the trophy and a new alias.
While shifting team culture is one thing, having enough players available to fill out the roster is another.
“We had a girl who retired two or three years ago get the call up this weekend and played for us for three quarters because we just had no shooters essentially.”
Regardless of the current climate Tong manages to keep things simple and in perspective (on brand of course).
“It’s weird. It’s definitely weird, but it makes the season seem easier in a way because if we can deal with all of this, then actually playing netball, which is what we’re used to, should be easy.”
This relaxed attitude in the face of turbulence shouldn’t come as a surprise considering her call up to the Silver Ferns last year.
“I think whirlwind is the best description I could give.”
“Everything was kind of last minute. I didn’t actually know I was going to be in the team until I got presented with my dress the night before the game.”
So incredibly last minute that her fiancée Raniera Takarangi had to scramble to get a flight down to Christchurch, forking out $700.
“It was really cool to sing the national anthem and it was amazing to just be in the dress and just be down there to be honest. I didn’t expect to even get on, so when I did, I guess I didn’t have anything to lose.”
Having played in the 2021 series against England and Aotearoa Men, Tong looks to take this momentum into the season ahead.
“Because this is my third year and I guess I’m more of a senior player now as well, I’m really trying hard to change our mindset to a winning mindset, and help with the team culture.’
“It’s already unreal considering all the interruptions and disruptions that we’ve had but, I really want to contribute off the court as well.”
