Georgie McGrath is ready to challenge the best netballers in the world at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
That challenge for Team NI doesn’t come any bigger after being drawn against the top ranked side in the world, Australia, who have also won Commonwealth gold four times in seven Games. Before that McGrath and co. start their campaign against 2018 champions England, who are currently third in the rankings.
For McGrath, who can play goal attack or wing attack, it’s a second Commonwealth Games after being part of Birmingham 2022.
“It’s a big moment and not a lot of people get to do that so I think it is taking that in our stride, really taking in that moment and trying to rise to the challenge. It’s going to be tough, but let’s just see what we can put up against them,” commented McGrath.
“We’ve got nothing to lose and you go in with absolutely no fear. I feel like that’s the type of team we are. We really just love a challenge and I think we get a lot of grit from it. I definitely think we can put on some great individual performances, team performances, unit performances against them.
“I don’t think people will see Australia against us and say that’s a complete walkover, I still think it’ll be a very enjoyable game and it’s going to be tough, but I think we’re all really, really looking forward to the challenge.”
McGrath made her international debut against New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games four years ago and she now knows what to expect in Glasgow following that experience in Birmingham.
“I’m a lot more experienced this time round. I felt like a baby at the time, first ever international competition, so I’m definitely going in it with a different view,” said McGrath.
“Last time it was just enjoying the moment and taking every opportunity and not overthinking anything, this time I’ve really worked hard in terms of mentally, really wanting to compete and wanting to put on good performances and see what happens from there.
“I know what to expect a lot more this time. We’ve been really lucky to have a good few games and different international competitions between the last Commonwealth Games and this one so personally I feel a lot more ready this time round. Physically and mentally I am a lot stronger.”
Off the court McGrath has another challenge, having to balance her preparations for Glasgow with a full-time job after graduating from Ulster University and the sacrifices that come with that.
“It’s tough. It’s something I’ve had to learn over the years, growing up playing two sports is something you just have to take as you come. There’s no master plan that you can just magically have everything together, you’ve just got to see what your body and your mind can take,” said McGrath.
“I’ve had help over the last four years and it’s a lot juggling them both as I’ve got to higher levels, but I think through a lot of support I’ve got a good plan in place to balance it all.
“A lot of sacrifices have been made, but as my dad always said to me, ‘if it was easy, everybody would do it’.
“That’s just what comes with it, all the different training, the extra stuff that people don’t see behind the scenes – all the extra shooting sessions, the extra gym sessions, saying no to your friends, your friends are always going on ‘you’re always training’ – but it’s for moments like this, going to Commonwealth Games for a second time is when it all pays off. I’m just extremely grateful to be going.”
