Tactix goal attack keen to get going

MARK TAYLOR/Waikato Times

STEPPING UP: Anna Thompson brings valuable experience to a new look Tactix lineup.

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A pain free pre-season is something Silver Fern netballer Anna Thompson is eyeing with vigour.

This time last year the goal attack had just undergone surgery to relieve compartment syndrome in her legs and was in a race against the clock to get herself ready for the ANZ Championship where she was part of the Tactix team.

It was a challenge she met head-on and she celebrated a season where she made her Ferns' debut (against the World Seven) and was part of the team which won the inaugural Fastnet title in England.

But she faces a whole new set of challenges in the new year.

Her Tactix team has undertaken a major makeover and Thompson, at just 23, will be the veteran of a young and inexperienced shooting circle.

She will also be aiming to hold her spot in the Ferns knowing her good friend and former flatmate, Jodi Brown, is gunning for a recall into the national side ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

Brown has shifted north for next year's trans-Tasman championship to play goal attack for the Waikato-BOP Magic – making her intentions clear of her desire to team up with Ferns shooter Irene van Dyk in New Delhi.

It could come at the expense of the young Tactix attacker.

But Thompson was not feeling the pressure and saw it as yet another challenge in her career on court.

"I'm a good friend of Jodi and supported her in her decision," she said. "But I'm looking forward to the Tactix season and what it offers with some young players.

"If selection comes after that then that's fantastic but to have a proper full-on year with Tactix would be ideal."

However, she does plan to use her experience with the Ferns to her advantage next season – beginning with a full pre-season.

"I'm really excited to have a proper pre-season this year," Thompson said. "I haven't had one for a while because of injury so I'm looking forward to getting into the gym, doing some strength-based stuff and also a lot of court stuff to do as well."

Thompson had little time on court for the Ferns – playing half a game against the World Seven and during the World Series in Manchester – but believes she added to competition for starting spots.

"I wouldn't want to be there unless I was pushing [for a place on court]," she said. "But you have to do your time. Each training you go out there not just to be a number but to push the other people who are in your position.

"In the end those choices are out of my control and I can only do what I can do. Yes, it's disappointing not to be playing but I felt I could contribute."

Soaking up the knowledge and experiences while on tour was a big part of Thompson's first stint with the Silver Ferns.

"Just being in the whole international arena was a huge step up."

She has had two weeks off since returning from Jamaica with the Ferns but has laced up the training shoes and hopes to be part of the national training camp in January.

"I've still got so much to learn and be better at, and being injury-free is pretty key to that."