SA Netball launch

[Dogwatcher]

SA netball launches season ’07 with a double, high-kicking, whammy


SA netball’s elite national competition team and elite domestic competition sides will share the stage at ETSA Park on Tuesday April 17 when they both launch their 2007 seasons.

The Medibank Adelaide Thunderbirds will kick things off at 12 noon with players, coaching staff and team management on hand to spell out the big plans in the chase of that elusive third Commonwealth Bank Trophy.

But the genuine high kicking and fancy footwork will be left to the hi-octane launch of the new Thunderbirds Street Crew. This adrenalin rush will be a highlight of every home game for the ’07 season, introducing a “get down and get with it” energy to keep the crowd on edge and behind the team from the first centre pass to the final whistle.

Even better, the Thunderbirds Street Crew will be wearing some of the exciting new supporter gear and licensed merchandise the club will be promoting this season as it takes its presence in the local market to a new high.

People attending the launch will also be the first to see the team’s new TV commercial that will air on Channel Nine this season.

Netball SA marketing and sponsorship manager Melissa Westgate says the securing of Channel Nine as a new sponsor this year is giving the team significant access to a wider fan base. Melissa says everyone understands the power of TV advertising but in recent seasons a major campaign such as this has been beyond the club’s financial reach.

“This year things will be different and the partnership with Nine has a lot to offer the Medibank Adelaide Thunderbirds and improving our awareness factor and profile in the community,” Melissa says.

“Being able to combine that coverage with the excellent support we receive year round from other media, particularly the Adelaide Advertiser, is a big step forward for us all,” she says.

“The advertisement has been professionally put together headed by MMAdvertising and we believe it will set a new benchmark for the competition.”

During the launch coach Tania Obst and captain Laura von Bertouch will be introduced to guests and media and interviewed about what they see ahead for the new season.

Following the light lunch the day will go straight into the State League season launch, involving coaches and senior players from all teams in the competition.

The cradle of SA’s national and international talent, State League is also one of the strongest State competitions in the country, playing high standard netball in the purpose built ETSA Park arena.

The launch will include details about the four new coaches this season as well as details about all teams and their chances of success.

Melissa says bringing the two events together on the same day is an exciting innovation that recognises the close link between the competitions.

“All the girls playing in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy got their start in State League and by sharing the stage we believe we are sending a very proactive message, particularly to young players, about opportunity,” Melissa says.

“Girls might be in State League now, but the Medibank Adelaide Thunderbirds are theirs for the taking, and beyond that there is the Australian team,” she says.

“SA has traditionally been a significant part of the pinnacle of the game in this country and we currently have several players in the national squad.

“That is why we are delighted to be staging the season launches together – it is a game and a future we all share.”