Editorial: Potshot at Irene bad call

Contrary to what lippy Australian netball coach Norma Plummer thinks, our world champion shooter Irene van Dyk doesn't throw the toys often.

Van Dyk spoke out at the weekend after she was unfairly targeted by Australian defenders during Magic's 57-51 loss to West Coast Fever in Perth.

The star goal shoot was reduced to only 15 goals from 19 attempts in the shock defeat.

Later, she said the the Fever's defence was "dirty" and they "got away with murder".

While many have applauded her comments, the ANZ Championship officials have taken a dim view of her outburst.

Plummer came out swinging, saying van Dyk's comments were "sad" and the result of a frustrated player.

"So every now and then when she gets a bad one on her own performance, she bags a defender by the looks of it," Plummer said.

I'm an avid netball fan - watching or recording most ANZ matches at the weekend and, in my view, Plummer is wrong.

Van Dyk was barged, pushed and shoved all over the circle. The dirty Aussie tactics weren't just in Sunday's Magic game. Central Pulse's Donna Wilkins is known for her "Hollywoods" but no acting was required when she copped a massive elbow in the back from Queensland Firebirds' Laura Geitz. That was blatant and unwarranted.

We all want to see good skills in netball - not violence.

Sure, it is a physical game but if referees continue to let these bullying tactics continue, the beautiful skills of the game will be lost.

Former Silver Ferns coach Yvonne Willering has an interesting idea worth exploring if these girls can't play nice. Her suggestion is to introduce a three-card system which sees players take responsibility for their own rough play - if a third card is issued, it's time to cool down on the bench.