By Jaylee Ismay
New Netball ACT general manager Benita Bittner wants to work with the GWS Giants to forge a long-term partnership in a bid to lure more elite matches Canberra.
Bittner was unveiled as the Netball ACT boss on Wednesday and will step into the job of growing the sport in the capital.
Netball ACT hopes the GWS Giants play at the AIS Arena again.Credit: Rohan Thomson
The Giants partnered with Netball ACT earlier this year to play two home games at the AIS Arena in the inaugural Super Netball competition.
The game will get another boost when the Australian Diamonds play against South Africa on August 30.
The Australian Sports Commission was considering a proposal to transform the AIS Arena into a 'Volleydome', which would have hindered Netball ACT's hopes of hosting the Giants again.
However, the commission says the AIS Arena will continue to be a multi-purpose venue, paving the way for Super Netball games in the future.
"We really want to have our stamp in the community and really capitalise on new ventures not only with Netball NSW but also Netball Australia." Bittner said.
"We [netball] really want to be the leaders of women's sport."
Hailing from a career as a tennis player, Bittner understands the harsh realities of the sacrifices athletes endure.
She spent four years playing tennis overseas and didn't see her family for three of those. Netball ACT president Louise Bilston said Bittner's experience as an athlete would be an asset for the organisation.
It is hoped Bittner's sporting history and strong strategic background in government will help create a stronger pathway for Canberra netballers as well as with easier roles for volunteers.
"My job in government really highlighted that [sport] is run by volunteers, there is a lot of stress and legislation put on volunteers," Bittner said.
"I would like to make that compliance as easy as possible, ensuring that the sport is run well."
Meanwhile, the top four teams will play against each other in round three of the State League competition at the Netball ACT Centre in Lyneham on Friday night.
Undefeated Tuggeranong and Canberra will play, with the winner to claim top spot on the ladder. Third-placed Belconnen takes on fourth-placed Arawang.
Tuggeranong have looked comfortable in their opening two wins of the season but will face a stern test against in form Canberra.
Canberra has looked impressive in defeating Arawang and Belconnen but coach Tara Steele believes Tuggeranong will be a true test for her side.
"Tuggeranong are the defending champions and are the yardstick of the competition," Steele said.
"They have plenty of quality players and experience at both ends of the court with defender Keely Rodrigo and goal shooter Jo Pivac."
"We'll be looking to win the mid court battle and give our goal shooters as many scoring opportunities as possible."
"Whoever controls the ball best and makes the least errors will come away with the win."
NETBALL ACT ROUND THREE
Friday: Tuggeranong v Canberra, Belconnen v Arawang, Queanbeyan v South Canberra. All games at 9pm.