Premier gets West Coast Fever

• Premier becomes number 1 ticketholder
• Big year ahead for WA team with new coach and star player

Western Australian netball fans are set for an exciting season with a new coach and star shooter joining West Coast Fever, Premier Colin Barnett said today.

Mr Barnett was speaking after receiving a Number 1 ticketholder pack from Fever captain Catherine Cox and co-vice captain Caitlin Bassett.

"2012 should herald a new era of success for the team with the signings of ex-Australian national coach Norma Plummer and two-time world champion Cath Cox," Mr Barnett said.

"The team already includes home grown talent Caitlin Bassett and Susan Fuhrmann, who have established themselves as essential Australian Diamonds players, and regularly represent their State at international level.

"Perth hosted international netball as part of the celebrations for last year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

"That included a really exciting and closely-fought match between Australia and New Zealand which I attended.

"I met Catherine and a couple of the other international netball captains when they held a netball clinic for the students at Balga SHS during CHOGM celebrations.

"It was a great event and I thought Catherine was fantastic with the children. I think the fact she is coming to play for Fever is terrific and I wish the team success."

Mr Barnett said he was delighted to accept the honour of becoming the team's Number 1 ticket holder.

"I was gripped by the intensity of the game and look forward to watching the Fever in action here in Perth," he said.

      Fact File

• West Coast Fever History:
  - 2011 - finished ninth (3 wins 10 losses)
  - 2010 - finished eighth (4 wins 10 losses)
  - 2009 - finished seventh  (5 wins 8 losses)
• The team will play six matches in Perth this season.  For more information go to http://www.westcoastfever.com.au/
  

Premier's office - 6552 5000