Nobody is feeling it more than Netball South chief executive Sonya Fleming and the Southern Steel.
Uncharacteristically, the Steel has lost its opening nine games of the ANZ Premiership, some by scorelines as big as 30 goals and others as little as two.
"It has been a really tough season for the Steel and I think no-one knows that more than the team and definitely the franchise," Fleming said.
"We’re certainly doing everything we can to turn things around. We’re really proud of the resilience that the team is showing, the professionalism and the culture that they’ve developed."
She fully backed the Steel and believed there was more to come in its final six games.
"We’ve still got the faith in our players.
"We’ve got the faith in our team, and the belief of what they’re capable of, and the management team and the coaching team — I think they’re doing a phenomenal job.
"The franchise is definitely [putting] as much support around the team as we can and that’s off-court team as well.
"We are really fortunate from where we are. . . with our loyal fans, and we’ve got amazing partners and funders, that every one is still behind us 100%."
The Steel had strong games against the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, losing 54-49, and on Saturday against the Northern Stars, losing 49-47, and produced some good final quarters against others.
Fleming believed the Steel was on the cusp of its first win.
"I believe that we are improving; we’re making gains every week.
"The team have got each other’s back 100% and they are definitely putting it out there.
"We showed that when we played the Stars. We were playing to win and playing with pride — and that’s definitely what we’re asking of them.
"I feel like that win is just around the corner for them."
The Steel has taken a hit player-wise from last season, with most of the chat around the loss of English import George Fisher, ruled out with a knee injury during pre-season.
But those whispers are omitting an even bigger key cog the Southerners have been without — Shannon Saunders.
Saunders, who had been a driving force in the Steel’s midcourt for the past 10 years, captaining the side since 2021 and bringing up her 150th game last year, announced her pregnancy in August last year, ruling her out.
Losing someone of her calibre and experience — a Silver Fern on and off for the past 10 years — cannot be underestimated.
"We have missed Shannon in our group, there’s no doubt about that," Fleming said.
"She’s still supporting them from her home with her new baby.
"She is still very much part of our team and our Steel family."
Fleming is entering her 16th season with the franchise, and has previously worked as both and events and commercial sponsorship manager.
Three months since taking on Netball South’s top job she is relishing her role.
"Not going to lie — it is a challenging role. But it’s challenging in a really good way and I’m really enjoying it.
"I’ve got a fantastic team of support."
Her first year will be capped off with hosting a test between the Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds on October 19. The Constellation Cup game will be the first test in Invercargill since 2018.
"It’s great for netball in our zone and we’ve got a phenomenal passion.
"It’s a fantastic opportunity for us."
