Louisa Wall: Welcome, those keen to be back in black

I was dropped by coach Lyn Parker from the Silver Ferns when I was 21. I'd played four seasons for them and Parker supposedly wanted to teach me a lesson.

I was a "why" player, never satisfied with instructions or a game plan unless I understood the concept or rationale of what we were trying to achieve.

I ended up not fighting for a return to the Silver Ferns. The coaches did not communicate with me. It left me the option of playing other sports.

I'd played rugby as a 5-year-old, and was banned after a season because girls weren't allowed to play rugby. But it once again claimed my playing heart during my disillusionment with netball. I made the most of that opportunity and have no regrets about my decision to switch codes.

So it was with much interest that I read about the likes of Troy Flavell, Anna Rowberry and Belinda Colling back in the country and trying to regain selection respectively for the All Blacks and the Silver Ferns.

Flavell, after a stint in Japan, is looking for a Super 14 home in an attempt to make the All Blacks to tackle the 2007 World Cup.

Within the context of professionalism, it is heartening that he has goals and aspirations outside of his pay packet. For a player of his talent and potential, it is fantastic to see him strive to be back in black. The franchise fortunate enough to pick up his services will be very lucky.

He will be successful. He has matured and has a sense of purpose and control, and his athleticism could add much value to the All Blacks' brand and style. He has changed, and to have the confidence of coach Graham Henry is undeniably powerful for any player. He will definitely be one to watch next year.

Both Rowberry and Colling are striving to represent the Silver Ferns at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in March.

Rowberry, fully fit and rather reflective about her premature return this year, has all the skill and experience to make it back, as does Colling - so the National Provincial Championships will make interesting viewing.

Colling, back on court after the birth of her first child, was an automatic pick before her stint in Scotland. Now she is back and set on Silver Ferns selection. She still has the goods and just needs a little game time.

Both of these players have what it takes, but will coach Ruth Aitken go back to the future to find that right balance of youth and experience? She seems not to want to go there with incumbent Silver Fern Lesley Rumball. It was surprising, the report of Rumball apparently getting the wink to retire.

She loves the game and is a wonderful ambassador and contributor. If Silver Ferns selection eludes her then so be it, but this does not mean she should retire.

If anything else, she'll keep those Silver Fern mid-court players honest. We need that level of competition to continue to successfully compete against the Aussies.

Whatever the outcome, these players honour the black uniform with the Silver Fern and their aspiration of representing our country continues the value of that dream, whatever your age.

We focus on those who make it, but sometimes it is those who don't who can also teach us about the love of the sport and the pride and joy of striving to represent your country.

* Louisa Wall is a former New Zealand netball and rugby representative.