As of Tuesday morning, the West Coast Thunder state teams have been withdrawn from the 2021 AMMNA Championships set to be held next week in Adelaide. Relevant health advice, the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation in the Perth & Peel regions (& across the country), a 4-day lockdown and the current SA Government travel restrictions has forced the decision of the West Coast Men's & Mixed Netball committee health and safety of participants and the wider Western Australian community remain the top priority for WCMMNA and its members. The event was scheduled to be held in Adelaide from the 4th - 10th of July, with teams travelling on the 2nd and 11th respectively.
The WCMMNA committee first met Sunday afternoon after a case was identified in Perth and agreed to postpone any decision as long as possible to allow our state and the country to gain some control over this outbreak. However, the 4-day lockdown announcement by the McGowan Government on Monday night forced the committee to re-assess their position with our teams were scheduled to depart Perth on Friday (during the lockdown). The committee needed to assess whether the teams would be able to get out of the State, into South Australia and then return to WA without any isolation or quarantine requirements. After emergency committee meetings and with relevant health authorities and suppliers it was decided that withdrawing was in the best interests of the Thunder teams from a health, safety and financial perspective.
WCMMNA President, Jerome Gillbard said the committee's decision was not easy, but necessary for the safety of its members.
"The decision to withdraw was not taken lightly, but with the ever-evolving situation in Perth and across the country our hand was somewhat forced. This is the third time we have missed out on a national competition, having not played since 2019. I can only imagine how disappointed, frustrated and saddened this makes our whole playing, staff and umpire group. However, these are some of the most flexible, resilient and determined people I know and I have no doubt we will all bounce back bigger and better than ever after taking the time to process the news.
I would like to thank both the Australian Men's & Mixed Netball and the South Australian Men's & Mixed Netball committees who have worked endlessly for a 2020, 2021 (Easter) and a 2021 (July) competition and who were understanding in our decision and rationale. I would also like to thank each of the other member organizations for their words of support since we passed on our decision.
I would also like to wish the rest of the Men's & Mixed netball community all the best with their current situation. I know we are all deeply saddened to not be participating in a national championships, but will be eagerly looking on to see such depth of talent across the country in the near future."
Majority of the WCMMNA athletes are currently competing in the Gold Industry Group WA Netball League and will return to their clubs to resume training once Government restrictions permit. To catch them in action, check out the fixtures that can be found here. WCMMNA will explore other options post-WANL to try and get members competing at a national level.
Resources to assist with getting through the lockdown can be found below;
Lifeline (or call 13 11 14)