Launceston coach Sarah Veale says isolation will only embolden squad next year

AdSportBasketballSportBasketballNews HomeNewsSportCommunityTributes & FuneralsClassifiedsExplore TravelEntertainmentLifestyleRecommendedQuick LinksToday’s PaperDownload our appInteractive

PuzzlesViewJobsNetworkVideoView real estatePress Releases from AAPContact usHelp CentrePrivacy PolicyAbout usView Subscription OffersThe Examiner's complete view of

propertyHome/Sport/BasketballLaunceston coach Sarah Veale says isolation will only embolden squad next yearBy Andrew MathiesonUpdated July 2 2021 - 2:16am, first published March 27 2020 -

6:00amBy Andrew MathiesonUpdated July 2 2021 - 2:16am, first published March 27 2020 - 6:00amFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyTornadoes feel the coronavirus hurt on season end Coach Sarah

Veale issued out a mantra to "stay apart but stick together" in a vow of the Launceston Tornadoes to build on from a disjointed preseason ahead of 2021.

Subscribe now for unlimited access. Login or signup to continue reading

50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinue The spread of

coronavirus has ended the club's season before it even began after the NBL1 wiped out all games.

The Tornadoes are the first sporting team in Launceston after Tuesday to have their season cancelled instead of postponed as early as March.

"The final annoucement was disappointing, but this COVID-19 situation is bigger than basketball," Veale said.

"We are putting it into perspective, however, right now we are very respectful of the impact on our playing group.

"I guess elite athletes are very goal-orientated and we are very driven that way, so we have had to reset and refocus on a new start date.

"Now we are making this into a very long preseason. We have given the girls this week off to focus on to watch their health and families."

Barely a week earlier, the NBL1 season was suspended from April 18 until May 15.

The initial annoucement from the NBL1 to delay the start, but also suspend team sessions happened in the midst of Veale running the players through their paces.

Tornadoes chairman Neil Grose came out of a board meeting to immediately ring Veale, who told all the squad.

"That was a big shock first, just telling the girls half way through our training session that we couldn't continue to train. So it was all pretty confronting and everyone was in a lot of

shock," Veale said.

"I don't know how to really explain it, but the girls almost bonded more over adversity in that moment than I had ever seen them do so far."

The coach quickly had to develop individual sessions in isolation to counteract the virus amid social distancing.

That is set to continue with preparations for next season.

"We put something to our group the other day which was stay apart but stick together, which is now the new normal," Veale said.

The club is keen to secure all players 12 months ahead.

Star signings Keely Froling and Megan McKay have indicated to Veale they are keen to "revisit all this" after each complete their WNBL and European commitments.

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

Throwback Thursday: 50 epic football photosTate Frost enjoying the experience of 410 SprintcarsCricket North: Riverside 2019-20 season review Veale did not want to let the hard work slip

after carefully recruiting players, planning out preseason training, and after her time and effort, all of sudden the season is done and the Tornadoes are left in limbo for 12 months.

"All the players indicated they are in still in," she said.

"They're really committed to the Torns' family as we call it and the club.

"This is what they love; this is what they know."

Veale had taken the reins from Derrick Washington, and for the first time since 2011 when Rebecca Dick led the club, a former Tornadoes local was in charge coaching.

A regular observer of club games before the appointment, Veale said it will be "bizarre" not to now have that Launceston spirit on court.

"I was so happy how well we bonded, where we're in terms of our systems and we have to keep carrying that forward into 2021," she said.

Before a long period inside Basketball Tasmania circles, dedicated to taking away state junior teams, the club's inaugural 1994 best and fairest winner was putting the team first before her

own heartbreak and ambitions of being forced to wait another year to coach the Torns.

"I'm there for the players and I'm trying to support them through it, as our players are quite young," Veale said.

"I was pretty disappointed.

"Don't get me wrong: like I was really gutted when I first found out we couldn't even keep on training. The writing has been on the wall really from that point in time.

"There is so much that is more important than how I feel right now about this."

We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like

to support our journalists you can subscribe here.

ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyAndrew MathiesonSports JournalistThe day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised

journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.The day I realised I wasn't good enough

to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for

me. It's the back story behind the game.More from AFLHow many wins does your team need to make the finals? The draw quirk makes it hard to tellRohan Connolly•No commentsCoach flags Western

Bulldogs return for Ugle-HaganShayne HopeDarcy given green light for Dogs' clash with SaintsShayne HopeHow many wins does your team need to make the finals? The draw quirk makes it hard to

tellRohan Connolly•No commentsCoach flags Western Bulldogs return for Ugle-HaganShayne HopeDarcy given green light for Dogs' clash with SaintsShayne HopeFired-up Fremantle chief unhappy with

Demons' actionsShayne HopeMore from BasketballWhere are they now? JackJumpers lose latest title winner as new era emergesNo commentsJackJumpers sign 'athletic' NBA player a day after losing

beloved importNo comments'He'll be missed': JackJumpers parts ways with their leading scorerNo commentsTassie AFL team will bring a junior boom - but where will they play?No

commentsTornadoes 'local legend' celebrated ahead of 'awesome' ANZAC Day clashNo commentsThis Launceston basketballer starred at nationals, now he eyes a US collegeNo commentsNewsletters &

AlertsView all Daily

Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.

Loading... Weekdays

The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.

Loading... Weekdays

The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyNote from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyFootyHQ Love footy? We've got all the action covered.

Loading... Weekly

Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Loading... Weekly

Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.

Loading... Weekdays

The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

Loading... Twice weekly

The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Loading... Twice weekly

Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

Loading... As it happens

Subscriber OnlySpecial Reports Get the very best journalism from The Examiner by signing up to our special reports.

Loading... Weekly

Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Loading... As it happens

Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks.

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyToday's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyYour favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Loading... Advertisement

Ad Advertisement

AdAustralian Community MediaACM WebsiteConditions of UsePrivacyTerms and Conditions - Digital SubscriptionTerms and Conditions - Newspaper SubscriptionThe ExaminerContactAbout UsWorking With

UsToday's PaperCommenting GuidelinesView Property EditionHelp CentreOur SitesViewExploreView InsuranceBeevoPlace an AdClassifiedsCarsTributes & FuneralsCelebrationsPromo

CodesAgTraderMeHelpFarmer's FinanceGarage SalesSubmitSend a letter to the EditorSend Us Your News