Demons become ‘Diamonds for A Day’

She hosted a clinic with the Jerilderie Football Netball Club’s next generation of netballers from 10am.

Time spent with Weston on Saturday will have been invaluable for the Jeridlerie Demons, getting an insight into the habits, behaviour and mindset of a professional netballer.

The experienced defender, who has 75 Test caps for Australia, spent time on and off the court with Jerilderie’s junior talent, before getting involved in a training session, before a talk and Q&A session.

“Saturday was a phenomenal day for our sporting community,” Eden Hercus from the Jerilderie Football Netball Club said.

“For someone of Jo Weston’s calibre to come to Jerilderie, you would never have imagined it.

“Netball is so important for connecting our regional community.

“The ability to have Jo’s influence and encouragement to our next generation of netballers is something that they will carry with them throughout their sporting careers.”

Weston stayed on to help officially open Monash Park’s new netball change rooms, alongside Jerilderie FNC President Carson Thomas and Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae OAM.

Weston said she was impressed by the passion and talent on show from Jerilderie’s juniors, as well as their new home.

“It’s been really great being out in this area and being able to spread the Diamonds love far and wide,” Weston said.

“I was so impressed. There’s so much natural athletic ability out here, but also a lot of finesse in some of their attacking skills out on the court.

“The change rooms look pretty flash. Any updated facility can make such a huge difference, especially in regional communities.

“It’s going to make such a big difference, and hopefully, it will be a place where they have some really special memories to come – maybe a couple of premierships.”

Origin’s Diamond For A Day program is designed to help bring good energy to local netball clubs and communities, with visits from past and present Diamonds players.