It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks for South Australian rising talent Tyler Orr.
A surprise call on a Sunday afternoon turned the Matrics Netball Club star’s world upside down and gave her the chance to chase her dreams.
She was preparing for another week of university, work and state league training when she received a message from Collingwood Magpies GM of Women’s Sport, Jane Woodlands-Thompson.
“She asked me if I would be able to join their team and I was completely blown away,” Tyler said.
“It felt so out of the blue, but she said that they had been keeping an eye on me for the last few years of under age competitions and state league, which I had no idea.”
Rotating subs and an extended bench have created more opportunities than ever for young talent to make their mark on Suncorp Super Netball.
Tyler, who was co-captain of the 2019 South Australian Under 19 team and named MVP in their gold-medal winning match, had already watched a number of her peers make their debuts this year.
“It was fantastic seeing my friends like Georgie (Horjus) and Tayla (Williams) get on court and it motivated me so much,” Tyler said.
“I knew I was around the mark but just had to wait for my chance, so I kept working hard in the gym and at my club training to make sure I would be ready if the opportunity arrived.”
It was only fitting that the tenacious midcourter joined the Magpies in time for their match against the Adelaide Thunderbirds at Priceline Stadium.
After training with the team for the first time a day earlier, she made her SSN debut on familiar grounds, with her family sitting in stands.
“I didn’t know if I should expect to get on court, but I tried to stay in the moment. Kelly (Altmann) had an injury, so Rob (Wright) called the time out and told me you are on,” Tyler said.
“It was a little strange to come up against the Thunderbirds in the first game. I trained with them during pre-season and Maisie is one of my best friends, but it didn’t matter once we got on court.
“I just took a deep breath and just gave it everything.
“It was fantastic to be able to play in front of my family who have been incredibly supportive in getting me to where I am today.”
Tyler has reveled in the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the world, including former Australian Diamonds midcourter Madi Browne.
“I idolised Madi growing up, so at first I didn’t really know how to act around her,” Tyler said.
“They are such big shoes to fill, but Madi was driving me to and from training and gives me so much amazing feedback and positivity.
“I’m really grateful to have the opportunity to learn from someone like her.
“The whole team has been so welcoming – I couldn’t ask to be with a better group of girls.”
Tyler was also recently named alongside eight South Australian players in the Australian 21/Under squad ahead of the 2021 Netball World Youth Cup.
“It was so exciting to see so many of my South Australian teammates in the squad,” Tyler said.
“In the SASI environment, making the World Youth Cup team is such a focus for us.
“I am upper age and lucky to scrape in with the cut off dates, so I am working so hard to make sure I make the final 12.”
With SSN done and dusted for 2020, Tyler has made the most of every opportunity to get on court.
But the loyal Matrics Premier League player has certainly kept an eye on the Netball SA Premier League results.
“I should be able to come back in time for the grand final,” Tyler said.
“The club has been so supportive of me taking this opportunity so I hope I can repay them.”
After beating Tango Netball Club in the Preliminary Final last Friday night, Matrics proceeded to this Friday night’s Grand Final against long-standing rivals Contax Netball Club.
With Tyler set to make a crucial return, the question will be can Matrics defend their 2019 title over the 2020 minor premiers in Contax.
