Fidler on escaping her ‘comfort zone’

By Matt Fotia 

There is always a lot happening in an international airport terminal.  

Different members of society all trying to pass the time between check-in and boarding. 

Some people start a new novel, others catch up on their favourite tv series and the rest prepare their playlists or download podcasts for the long journey ahead. 

Charli Fidler didn’t do any of these things while waiting for her European holiday. 

She was too busy locking in a life-changing decision. 

“I signed my contract at the airport, waiting to fly to Europe.” 

Surrounded by business consultants, young families, retired couples and other excited travelers, former GIANTS training partner Charli Fidler penned her first full time contract, signing with ANZ Premiership side the Mainland Tactix for the 2025 season. 

The offer was somewhat surprising to Fidler. 

She had been told in passing there was some interest from across the ditch a few weeks earlier, but when nothing materialised, she turned her attention to her overseas adventures and another year on the fringes at Ken Rosewall Arena.

“My manager had called me to let me know there might be an opportunity at Tactix, but we didn’t hear anything, so I assumed it wasn’t going to happen.” Filder explained. 

“Then the day before I was due to leave for my Europe trip, they called to say they wanted to make me part of their squad. 

“I had set my mind to what I was going to do next year, so had to make a really quick decision, but you can’t turn down a full-time contract.” 

On paper making a decision of this magnitude in such a small amount of time could be dangerous, but Fidler appreciated the prompt deadline. 

“It was good I didn’t have much time to make my decision, because I can overthink things,” Fidler said. 

“I didn’t really have anything holding me back. 

“I’ve been a training partner for three years and debuted this season, and it was a taste of what SSN’s like and where I want to be, but sometimes you just have to take a risk. 

“I’d be crazy not to take this opportunity, I’m going to be playing with and against some of the best players of the world. 

“I’ve been given a spot in a team, and that’s something I haven’t been given before.” 

It’s not just more opportunity which is exciting Fidler. 

The South West Mounties star is eager to attack the New Zealand style of netball, which should suit her ball winning ways, after sampling a taste of the Silver Ferns style in the NSW Premier League this season. 

“I love the New Zealand style of play,” Fidler said. 

“This year in (the NSW) Premier League I got to play alongside Elle Temu, Gina Crampton and Jamie Hume and got a taste of the New Zealand flair, especially playing with Elle out in front of me. 

“They play more off the body defence, which allows goal keepers to hunt (the ball) and that’s what I love to do. 

“There are areas of the New Zealand style of play I will be able to capitalise on and it will expand my toolbelt as well.” 

Fidler has been highly regarded for a while now. 

She was a member of some star studded underage Australian sides, lining up alongside the likes of current Diamonds squad member Ashleigh Ervin, Sunshine Coast Lightning mid courter Ava Black, Swifts attacker Sophie Fawns and her longtime friend and GIANTS teammate Erin O’Brien. 

Fidler doesn’t house any ‘what about me’ feelings when she looks at the meteoric rises of her former peers, instead using their development as a driver. 

“It’s motivating,” Fidler stated. 

“It shows me girls my age can make it into the Diamonds squad. 

“Look at Ash (Ervin) and how far she’s come in the past two seasons or Ava (Black) who was a training partner who got elevated last year and won herself a full contract. 

“It makes me want to do better, because I want to be like them. 

“It shows me I can do it, it’s just going to take me a little bit longer and my pathway is going to be a bit different to theirs.”   

Fidler will have plenty more decisions to make on her path to the top. 

She has already chosen to take the leap and try her hand in New Zealand and more opportunities to ply her trade overseas will arise, especially with the new netball dawn in the UK. 

But ultimately keeping her love of netball alive is Fidler’s number one netball goal. 

“It’s okay to move out of your comfort zone,” Fidler said. 

“I can go play in the UK as a British citizen, and right now Australia is the best league in the world. 

“But personally, I just want to be loving the sport as much as I do now. 

“In a few years who knows where I’ll be, but I just want to keep loving the sport, having fun and inspiring others.”