It’s been just over a year since we got our first glimpse of what Sophie Dwyer was capable of.
Wind back the clock 12 months and the young 18-year-old, in her first year as a training partner, joined the team in Queensland as part of 2020’s extended squad set-up.
Playing the final five minutes of the final quarter, Dwyer shot two from two Suncorp Super shots to put a smile on the face of coach Julie Fitzgerald as the GIANTS went down by two to the Swifts in the opening round of the season.
“I still vividly remember that moment,” said Dwyer.
“If anyone had of told me I would be playing a full season the following year, I would have never believed them.”
Dwyer describes the last 12 months as “unbelievable”.
Come round one this year, Dwyer had smashed pre-season training. She’d gotten stronger in the gym, spent a lot of time on court in pre-season and was comfortable as a new part of the GIANTS’ squad of 10.
Reflecting on what her expectations were heading into her first season, Dwyer said she thought she might be used an impact player.
“Having the legend of Jo Harten and Diamond Kiera Austin to share the circle with, there definitely wasn’t too much of an expectation to play,” she admitted.
“I thought my role would maybe be coming on in the Super Shot period.”
In round one the GIANTS were devastated to lose Diamond and 2020 Club Champion Kiera Austin with a season-ending knee injury.
The unfortunate circumstances for one team member can provide opportunity for another and for the Eastwood Ryde junior, that was the case for Dwyer.
After playing out the remaining three quarters of the round one match, Dwyer has made a seamless and impressive transition to the top level.
“I think each week my confidence grows and I’m just trying to prove to myself that I can play against the best defenders in the world week-in, week-out,” said Dwyer.
“And I’m trying to prove that I am a starting seven player.
“Like any other athlete, I try not to take note about what’s being said - particularly on social media - but having so many messages of support has been really nice and having people backing me and being on board with my journey has been really special.”
One of the biggest learnings from the season to date for Dwyer has been the intensity of elite-level netball.
“You watch the game and it looks fast, but when you’re playing it’s just a whole other level,” she said.
“Having that body-on-body defence for a full 60 minutes is unlike anything you’ve played against until you’re in this league.
“Having Jo in the shooting circle with me has definitely helped me out. She gives me constant feedback and directions for a near 60 minutes and we joke about it, but I do really value it.”
Another player that has been instrumental for Dwyer is Kiera Austin, who - apart from three games - has been there every step of the way cheering on Sophie and the GIANTS.
“It’s been really beneficial having ‘Kip’ at the games and getting feedback from her during the game,” Dwyer said.
“Being an Eastwood Ryde girl I’ve always kind of idolised her, so to kind of be in her position and trying to fill her shoes is really special and I’m excited to hopefully to play with her one day.”
If you’ve watched Dwyer play, you will probably agree that she is one of the coolest, calmest and most collected people on the court.
In Dwyer’s own words, she’s “as cool as a cucumber”.
“I’ve always been a calm player,” she said.
“Not much goes through my head, not much fazes me, but I kind of use it as a strength.”
Dwyer flags the 2019 Australian Netball League grand final as one of the turning points in her career to becoming a professional netballer.
“It was probably my best game in my NNSW pathway,” she said.
“I think after that game it was when I realised it was within reach.
“And it’s pretty crazy now to play in front of all the members and fans at Ken Rosewall Arena – I remember being that kid wanting autographs and photos.”
