Charli Fidler admits she’s still on cloud nine, more than 48 hours after making a surprise debut alongside her lifelong best friend.
A GIANTS training partner for three years, Fidler was a late call-up to the GIANTS squad on Sunday for their Suncorp Super Netball clash with the Firebirds after teammate Tilly McDonell failed a fitness test following an ankle sprain suffered at training during the week.
While Fidler’s late inclusion didn’t guarantee she’d take to the court, her dream of playing in the world’s best domestic netball competition became reality in the fourth quarter when coach Julie Fitzgerald chose to inject the youngster into the game.
Making an immediate impact with a gain with her first touch, the 187cm defender looked right at home as the GIANTS went on to register a thrilling 71-67 victory to keep their season alive.
More than two days later, Fidler is still starry-eyed following her dream debut. “I haven’t wiped the smile off my face,” she said.
“This team is so special and the bond we have on and off the court really shows when we get in these close matches.
“Being a part of a win in my debut is truly like a dream come true - it was really special.”
Making the moment even more momentous for Fidler were the circumstances in which her debut came, with the young defender subbed into the game for teammate Erin O’Brien, who happens to be her closest friend and someone she’s shared her entire netball journey with.
“It was something so special and I definitely won’t forget it,” Fidler said after taking the court in place of O’Brien.
“We went to high school together and Erin is my best friend. We’ve done so much together, both on and off the court.
“We met in year seven in school when we were 13 and we’ve done state together and the wholes school pathway together and been training partners together.
“Then I got to watch Erin debut last year and I got to be in the team when she started (for the first time) so that was pretty special as well.”
Adding to the special occasion were Fidler’s family, who were on hand to watch the surprise debut, with the youngster revealing the moment she stepped onto the court got the best of her dad.
“When I went on my dad started crying and I’ve never seen him cry before ... and my mum was obviously in tears as all mums do.
“I had all my family, my aunty and my little cousin and my little sister there and it was really good to have everyone there for me.”
