Fever recruit to lead by example
Star West Coast Fever recruit Nat Medhurst says she would love to captain her new club but will lead by example regardless of whether she has an official title.
Medhurst began life with the Fever with a 6am weights session yesterday before joining her new teammates for on-court training in the afternoon.
The 29-year-old Australian Diamond agreed four months ago to cross from the Queensland Firebirds but arrived in Perth only on Sunday night.
Medhurst said she had been keen to get down to work at a club starved of success in the 10-team ANZ Championship. The Fever's 2014 season starts on March 2.
The star goal attack said the pre-season was crucial.
"These days pre-season goes as long as, or sometimes it feels even longer than, the actual playing season, but I love this time of year," she said.
"I love doing the hard work and obviously this time of year it tests people physically, but also mentally.
"As a group it becomes really important in how you gel and stick together and motivate each other to be able to get through all the sessions and keep each other up all the time. Being able to push each other along during these tough times will hopefully help us when it gets to tough games during the season."
Former captain Catherine Cox was cut from the club at the end of last season and one of two vice-captains, Andrea Gilmore, also wasn't offered a new contract.
The only two players from last season's leadership group still at the Fever are Caitlin Bassett and Shae Bolton.
Medhurst comes to a club which has never made the finals with a wealth of experience from successful programs.
"I don't know what's happening with leadership positions at the moment but irrespective of whether I have an official title or not, I will certainly lead by example with what I do on and off the court," Medhurst said.
"On the flip side, I'm coming into a new environment and seeing how things work as well so I will certainly have eyes open and take a lot on board and see how everything works.
"I would love to be a part of the leadership team or captain the side."
