This interview was conducted over email, and is the personal (not official) opinion of Belinda Ness. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to receive these opinions. Many thanks, Belinda, for taking time from your busy schedule to provide us with this response. CONGRATULATIONS on your success at the competition, both as a coach and a player.

In your opinion, what benefits are there to gain from New Zealand teams competing at the Australian Interstate Championships?

I think that the NZ teams have the opportunity to gain some good exposure to high level competition by competing at Australian Championships. Whilst Australia is not currently ranked in the top three in the world we are still very competitive, and it's also a great opportunity to get together with people who have some of the same interests as you, swap stories and information, and make new friends.

Would there be benefits for you in attending New Zealand competitions?

As a coach and player I'm always interested in attending other competitions to see what new innovations in tactics, equipment and the like are being trialed.

What did you personally gain from competing at the Interstate Championships?

A gold medal! No seriously, it's always great to play in a team that's committed and focused on a common goal, and I get a real thrill from the camaraderie and support that is generated in our womens team. Personally I think I regained the knowledge that my skills lie not only in the defensive arena.

Is there anything that you would do differently?

I think I probably would have shot more. Over the past couple of years I have slipped more into the role of a support person, and this year my coach gave me a bullet and said I had to be more proactive on the field. Takes a while to readjust to that, and I guess given the time over I would have been yet more proacative.

Your team was extremely successful. What was the most positive moment that you experienced at the competition?

The most positive moment for me was rediscovering that I can shoot! Over the past 18 months my shooting has been a bit sub-par, so it was nice to discover that I still have what it takes to put a decent shot away. I think one of the best moments was putting a rocket into the bottom right hand corner in the grand final.

What, in your opinion, was the defining factor that ensured success for your team at Interstates?

Definitely quick ball movement and patience. Our coach is fond of telling us that we only need to win by one goal, and that we don't need to score in the first 30 seconds. By moving the ball around quickly and by being patient in attack we were ready for the opportunities when they arose, and were quick to capitalise on them.

How would you rate the New Zealand teams?

The NZ teams appeared to be full of drive and vitality. Having been one of the officials, a player and coaching as well it was rare that I got to watch more than a few of the games over the competition. However the NZ ones I did get to watch showed that you guys have a good base on which to build, and a "never say die" attitude. I was particularly impressed with your junior teams matching it with the others.

How would you rate the Australian teams? Any surprises?

Playing in the Australian Championships is always great fun. The SA, Victorian and NSW womens teams all have current and past Worlds team members in them, which always makes for a great competition. I must admit I was surprised to see that the NSW Mens team did not make the podium this year, as three of their team are also members of the Aus Mens Worlds team.

What tactical differences did you notice?

Not a lot of tactical differences to be honest. At the moment there are a few "set plays" doing the rounds in the Australian states, but during the rare games I watched I was hard pressed to pick up more than a couple of variations - I think that that stage of proceedings I was also too mentally exhausted to be concentrating on anything more than who scored and who won!