By Matt Fotia
Isabelle Shearer technically arrived on the SSN scene when she was signed by the Firebirds ahead of the 2024 season.
She technically became an SSN player when she first stepped on the court in Round Four against the Melbourne Vixens.
But everyone knows Isabelle Shearer really arrived in the SSN in Round 11.
Handed her first start in the competition, the Rockhampton junior produced one of the performances of the season, pulling in four deflections, three gains and three rebounds (all while playing on Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard) as the Firebirds knocked off the Fever 78-70.
“It was so exciting,” Shearer said.
“It was an amazing win, the crowd was pumping, and it was my first ever start in SSN, which was so special.
“I gained a lot of confidence from that game within myself, knowing I can do the job for my team.
“I reflect on that game quite a lot heading into 2025 and I know I want to feel that feeling every time I step on the court.
“It’s a game I’ll remember forever.”
Shearer’s first year in the professional system wasn’t all victories over the Fever and player of the match performances.
Most of the 2024 season was about learning lessons, on and off the court.
“I learned a lot about myself and my game throughout the year,” Shearer explained.
“There were a lot of lessons not only as a netballer, but as a human just playing at the elite level and mixing in with people who I’ve idolised my whole life.
“Sport is a place where you grow, and I personally feel like I’ve grown a lot through sport by experiencing different things.”
2024 was a huge year of growth for Shearer.Shearer said the support networks at the Firebirds have been something she has leaned on throughout her first year or so at the elite level, as she learns what processes help her be the best version of herself.
“We’re lucky to have heaps of support around us at this club, led by a very good wellbeing lead who has really helped me learn how I like to operate, how I like to deal with things and how I can be the best version of myself at training and away from training to get the best performance out on court at the end of the week.
“Having connections within the group but also having them away from netball is so important as well.
“I study at QUT, and I get a lot of joy in coaching young players.
“I’ve found a passion which I never thought I would have, but I really love connecting with young players and being a role model for them in any way I can.”
A year is a long time in netball of course, and Shearer is now preparing for her second season at the elite level.
Strangely, it is her first full pre-season. Given the CPA negotiations following the 2023 season, Shearer wasn’t given the full pre-season experience, joining the club so late in the year.
“I’m feeling really prepared going into 2025 with a season under my belt,” Shearer said.
“It’s also been my first pre-season where we’ve been able to train together before January, so it’s been really cool to experience.
“It’s a real focus to be a strong, physical team this year.
We’ve always worked hard on our fitness and strength, but it’s been refreshing to be do it together, which we couldn’t last year, and it’s been a big part of the connection piece as well.
“We’re all having a great time getting strong, getting fit and getting fast.”
Expect a stronger, fitter Firebirds outfit in 2025.She won’t just improve her fitness at Firebirds training this year.
The signing of Ugandan superstar Mary Cholhok will provide Shearer with the perfect training partner as she eyes off battles against some of the league’s biggest goal scorers.
“Mary is a really exciting prospect,” Shearer stated.
“It’s going to be fantastic to train against someone like Mary, especially in preparation for those tall shooters like Romelda (Aiken-George) and Grace (Nweke).
“She’s going to offer so much to our team and we’re going to be able to learn from her and learn with her.”
The structure of the Firebirds 2025 list indicates Shearer will get more than enough opportunities to put those training lessons into action this season.
The Firebirds replaced Remi Kamo with the untried Ashlee Barnett, leaving Shearer, a seven-game veteran, as the short-priced favourite to line up alongside Ruby Bakewell-Doran when the Firebirds opening round fixture against the GIANTS rolls around.
Shearer isn’t daunted by the extra pressure.
“I’m excited for the opportunities 2025 holds,” Shearer explained.
“Not being the rookie, still open to learning, improving and consolidating my game, but excited to step into a leadership role and do what I can for my team.”
