Gordon takes aim at Australia’s Super Netball - National shooter looking to impress in Sunshine Girls series Down Under

With the continued absence of several of Jamaica's top players for the Sunshine Girls' three-Test series against hosts Australia, goal shooter Simone Gordon is backing herself to use the opportunity to secure a professional contract Down Under.

The 6-foot-5 Gordon has stepped in for captain and fellow goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler, whose ongoing absence, after also missing Jamaica's two-Test Horizon Vitality series against hosts England last month has opened the door for the former Queen's High School standout.

Gordon impressed during that England tour, producing a creditable performance against the English Roses.

BIGGER TOUR

"Given the fact that I gave a good performance in the last tour against England last month and this tour is an even bigger one, I am hoping to do even much better and get a professional netball contract in the Australian Super netball competition (Suncorp Super Netball)," Gordon said.

"I am looking forward to putting it all out there and doing my best, and hopefully things will work out in my favour. I am just keeping my fingers crossed."

The 27-year-old represents Kingston Hummingbirds in Netball Jamaica's Elite League and also plays for Global United in the Divisional A League. She was also a member of Jamaica's team that captured the gold medal at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Gordon added that she is now ready to shoulder greater responsibility within the national programme.

"I know that I am ready to lead this team because I think I am ready and able to do so. I am about 95 per cent confident now, and as long as I keep myself locked in, you are going to see the best of me," she noted.

EXCITING CHALLENGE

Despite acknowledging the difficulty of the assignment against world powerhouse Australia, Gordon pointed out that she is excited about the challenge and confident in the squad's preparation.

"I am excited about this series and I am looking forward to representing my country to the best of my ability. I have been preparing well for this series," she said. "Training has been hard, but I know that I have to put in the work because it is not going to be an easy series.

"Australia has some of the best players in the world, so we as a group have to put in the work every day in training and stay focused," Gordon underscored.

She also highlighted that she is also optimistic that the Sunshine Girls can deliver strong performances once they remain disciplined and united.

"I am feeling very confident that we can get the job done, but we just have to stay locked in and keep our concentration in each game. We have to continue to trust each other, stick together, and have each other's backs on and off the court. Once we do that, we will be fine," Gordon said.