THE Crest Fiji Pearls have returned from a week-long campaign at the Spirit Series in Sydney with renewed confidence, valuable insights, and a clear understanding of the work required as preparations intensify for the Oceania Qualifiers in September.
The tournament provided the CREST Fiji Pearls with an important opportunity to test themselves against quality international opposition while exposing players to the demands of high-performance netball.
Head coach Michelle Parsons said the Spirit Series was never solely about results, but about establishing a benchmark for the team as it continues its rebuilding journey.
“Taking this group of 12 players into such a competitive environment allowed us to see exactly where we are in terms of skill execution, tactical understanding, physical conditioning and mental resilience. It has given us valuable information that will shape our preparations over the coming months,” Parsons said.
Throughout the tournament, CREST Fiji Pearls embraced an intensive learning environment, adapting to new tactical systems, detailed performance analysis and evidence-based reviews after every match.
Rather than relying on instinct alone, the coaching staff introduced performance metrics that allowed players to measure their progress through data, helping identify strengths while highlighting areas requiring further development.
Off the court, one of the biggest areas of focus was athlete nutrition.
Performance Nutritionist Marcia Jerram worked closely with the Parsons to introduce comprehensive meal plans designed specifically for tournament play, ensuring players were properly fuelled for training, competition and recovery.
Parsons said the tour also highlighted the importance of changing outdated perceptions around nutrition in sport.
“For many athletes, this was their first experience of understanding what it truly means to fuel for performance. Elite athletes need adequate nutrition to compete and recover, and this tour reinforced that eating enough is just as important as training hard,” she said.
The players also adapted to new recovery, rehabilitation and prehabilitation protocols, giving management a clearer understanding of the physical demands required to compete consistently at the international level.
While acknowledging there is still work to be done in building the squad’s physical capacity, Parsons praised the team’s willingness to embrace change.
“CREST Fiji Pearls showed incredible commitment throughout the tour. They accepted every challenge, worked hard to improve each day and demonstrated the attitude needed to grow as international athletes,” Parsons added.
Following the Spirit Series, the Crest Fiji Pearls immediately turned their attention to preparations for the Oceania Qualifiers.
National squad trials, originally scheduled for one day, were extended from yesterday till today to ensure all World Netball testing and player compliance requirements could be completed.
The additional day allows the coaching and management team to thoroughly assess athletes while meeting World Netball’s standards as the final squad is selected.
The Crest Fiji Pearls netball players and officials for the Spirit Series in Sydney, Australia.
Picture: SUPPLIED/Netball Fiji via May Bailey-Ireland of Clusterpix Photography
