She’s still pinching herself after realising her lifelong dream but young GIANT Erin O’Brien says she can’t wait to prove she’s got what it takes to make it at the elite level.
A GIANTS training partner for the past two years, O’Brien was rewarded for years of hard work after the 19-year-old was elevated to the GIANTS senior squad in December for the upcoming 2024 Suncorp Super Netball Season.
Just over two months into her new life in the full-time environment, the Hills District product says she couldn’t be happier.
“I’m really enjoying it,” the young defender said.
“Training has been really tough and quite a step up from previous seasons, but the girls are really getting around each other and I’m really enjoying the environment and being in a full-time capacity.
“I’m really lucky to have been a training partner for the last couple of years as that’s really helped me and prepared me for this year.”
Juggling her GIANTS commitment with a sports science degree at UTS, O’Brien admitted she was still coming to terms with her new opportunity as a full-time GIANT.
“I pinch myself all the time and I still get super excited coming to training,” she said.
“Being in the team and getting to travel with the team, it’s all super exciting and I’m definitely pinching myself every time I come in here.”
The 189cm defender was given her chance after impressing for the GIANTS Academy at the Australian Netball Championships the past two seasons. She was also given a taste of Suncorp Super Netball last year when she made her GIANTS debut in the final game of the 2023 season.
“Last year when I made my debut, that moment was so special and something I’ve wanted for so long,” O’Brien said looking back.
“I enjoyed it so much and I was super nervous and it is still feels like such a blur but it’s the best competition in the world so that game definitely made even hungrier [to become a full-time GIANT].”
The young talent says her focus is now proving she’s worthy of her newfound position in the world’s best domestic netball league.
“I feel like naturally you have doubts but it’s something I’ve really been pushing for and I’ve been a training partner the last couple of years which was really special and now this is an extra opportunity and another step up.
“This year I want to prove to the team and myself that I can make it at this level and just do whatever the team needs and be someone that can be relied on.”
O’Brien said her development had already taken strides after pointing to new teammates, international star Jodi-Ann Ward, and GIANTS fan-favourite Tilly McDonell, as perfect role models.
“I’m always looking up to Jodi and Tilly.
“Being here the last couple of years with Tilly, she’s been a really good mentor and someone I really enjoy working with and she’s super helpful.
“Then Jodi has come in and she’s so wise and she’s really special and someone that is great to learn off as she’s such a great player.
“The work ethic and intensity is so high and so I’ve been trying to bring that every time on the court, as all the girls bring it, so it makes you want to rise to that level and be like that.”
As O’Brien and her new teammates prepare to kickstart their 2024 campaign with a pre-season clash with the Firebirds in Brisbane next week, the newcomer was confident the squad has what it takes for a big 2024 campaign.
“The goal is definitely to win, and I definitely think we have the capacity to do that.
“It’s a great squad and everyone backs each other, and I think it’s looking really good for the season.”
The GIANTS will take on the Firebirds in Brisbane next week before taking part in the competition’s official pre-season tournament, the Suncorp Team Girls Cup, which will be held in Sydney at Ken Rosewall Arena from Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24.
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