Phoenix preparing for a breakthrough season
The 2024 Mahindra Super League season approaches, the NSW Phoenix have their sights set on breaking their finals drought.
“Since COVID hit and the Phoenix program was created, we haven’t made it to the finals of Super League or the former AVL,” Phoenix player Fraser Garrett said.
“We’ve captured lots of success at the junior and youth levels, and now we’re pushing towards the same success in Super League.”
In order to grab that sought after success, Garrett and the Phoenix have been preparing intensely.
“Training has been great so far,” 22-year-old Garrett said.
“We’ve got a great group of guys who are pushing themselves to be their best in the lead-up to the competition. This not only allows us to enjoy the sport but also to get the most out of ourselves.”
Garrett also credits the coaching staff for aligning with the team’s goals of playing their highest level of volleyball.
The Phoenix squad is a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans, and is steadily coming together, with the season just a couple of weeks from commencing.
“We have a lot of young developing players with bright futures in the sport, guided by a few guys who have played at the highest level,” Garrett.
“This mix is helping steer the ship towards a competitive and productive environment.”
Garrett is looking forward to the challenge of the new Super League format, having not experienced it last year as he was playing internationally for FC Schuttorf.
“It’s crucial that we play super aggressive and take calculated risks, as the format is shorter and less forgiving. I also believe it’s important that we come out and play a free brand of volleyball, which will allow us to play with confidence and without fear of losing.”
With Garrett and his teammates in high spirits and focused on their goals, NSW Phoenix is well placed to make a play for a finals berth.
The NSW Phoenix will take on the Canberra Heat will in the first round of the season on Saturday 31 August at Sydney Olympic Park.
Click here for more information on the 2024 Mahindra Super League.
