Courtside Camaraderie Takes Centre Stage at Corporate Netball Day

Overview

The squeak of shoes, the call of “free if you need” and a healthy dose of workplace rivalry filled the Gold Netball Centre on 5 December as thirteen teams took to the court for the annual Gold Industry Group Corporate Netball Day.

Members from across Western Australia submitted teams to represent their organisations, all chasing bragging rights for the year ahead. Industry pride was on full display, with impressive costume theming adding colour and character to an already lively afternoon.

Tips from the pros

West Coast Fever players were on hand to put teams through a professional warm-up before offering coaching support from the sidelines, setting the tone for a day that blended high-energy competition with plenty of laughs.

Teams were split across Division One and Division Two, and once the buzzer sounded, the courts inside the Centre came alive. Between matches, players refuelled at a generously stocked snack table offering sweet, savoury and healthy options to keep energy levels high.

Down to business

With pool matches complete, the top two teams in each division had just ten minutes to regroup before the grand finals. Final pep talks were delivered, warm-ups completed, and the tournament’s decisive matches got underway. Friendly rivalries took centre stage, with teams celebrating wins, backing one another through losses and maintaining high spirits throughout.

In Division One, Bellevue Gold faced Agnew Suns. After finishing runners-up for the past two years, Bellevue Gold entered highly motivated to finally go one step further. Their preparation reflected that intent, with Bellevue committing to regular team training in the lead-up to the event.

“The team was highly motivated to win their first ever GIG Corporate Netball Day event — we had come runners up for the past few years prior,” said Bellevue Gold Team Coordinator Jean Charl Smith.

“We began team trainings on and off site approximately one month prior to the event, aiming to train at least twice weekly as a team. All members displayed lots of commitment.”

Agnew Suns had enjoyed a strong tournament run, and the final carried added significance after Bellevue’s earlier loss to them in pool play.

“To play Agnew in the final and come out winners following our loss to them in the opening game made it more special,” Jean said. “I think many members of the team would agree.”

When the final buzzer sounded, Bellevue Gold secured a hard-fought victory to claim their first Corporate Netball Day title, showing composure when it mattered most.

“The composure from all team members following our first loss and when there were a few tight moments in the semi-final was a real highlight,” Jean said.

“Special thanks to Netball WA, Gold Industry Group and all helpers for making this event possible. This event gives all employees the ability to interact and connect with their co-workers outside of work, further strengthening existing bonds and presenting opportunities to form new friendships with co-workers they usually may not see or work with.

“And, a big thank you to my team for sticking it through and committing to the cause we strived for. I am a very proud coach!”

Division Two delivered one of the day’s most recognised rivalries, with Gold Fields taking on Northern Star 1. The match was played with intensity and precision, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Gold Fields found momentum through sharp passing and composed finishing to seal the win and the division title.

A calm approach delivers for Gold Fields

Gold Fields Team Coordinator Leanne Coad credited a relaxed approach for their success.

“The plan was simple — see who turns up, play our first game, and then build a strategy that gave us the best chance of taking home the trophy,” said Leanne.

“Our first game was against The Minties (The Perth Mint) – they were all just lovely, we all had a laugh, and the game was played in the absolute spirit of what the day is all about.

“Shout out to Jess Anstiss from West Coast Fever, who was a constant on the sideline for our team and gave wise counsel leading into the Grand Final. You are officially an honorary Gold Attack member and can come join the team anytime you like!

“Also, a huge thanks to the entire Gold Attack team, we really did just get better with each game and showed that teamwork really does make the dream work.

“Our team love this event – it’s always great to catch up with industry peers in such a fun and informal way – bring on 2026!”

When the siren sounds and the stories begin

Following the final whistle, teams headed outside to cool down ahead of presentations. Awards were handed out, including the traditional wooden spoon and best dressed, before everyone lined up to enjoy a very protein-based dinner from Big Don’s.

As the evening wound down, competition gave way to conversation, with teams sharing stories, laughs and highlights from the day. It was a fitting finish to another successful Corporate Netball Day, with many already looking ahead to next year.

Thank you to Netball WA and the West Coast Fever for helping make the day such a success.