Northern Mystics goal shooter Bailey Mes isn't letting the international season define her career as she continues to soar in the ANZ Premiership
Bailey Mes Photo: PHOTOSPORT
In sport it's not uncommon to be hot one minute and not the next, and no netball player knows that better than Silver Ferns and Northern Mystics goal shooter Bailey Mes.
As a goal shooter, Mes was a natural fit for the firing line after the Silver Ferns disappointing result at the Commonwealth Games. Ironically though, it's flicked a switch for many players who took the court on the Gold Coast with the poor result seeing them reclaim their crowns as the country's best - including Mes.
The Mystics have toppled the two top teams, the Central Pulse and Southern Steel with big thanks to Mes who feels her new label as the 'buzzer beater' means she finally has her groove back.
"You know you can't afford those little errors because they will punish you with how quickly they can score," Mes said.
"Keeping to what we're doing regardless of what is happening on the outside has been quite good for us and those little wins build your confidence, she added."
It's a lot of pressure for any athlete.
Have a good game and you will be praised - if not risk - you become enemy number one, something the 29 year old learned the hard way.
Northern Mystics goal shooter Bailey mes Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
While she is known for her great athleticism and aerial game on any given baseline it's her psychological strength that's reignited her season reminding viewers and herself of what she is capable of.
"I don't really think about the feedback that's coming towards me, but there are people who it matters from like coaches. Every time I go out on court I try to do as much as I can - sometimes it happens and sometimes you go through patches where it just doesn't. I'm not thinking about outside feedback because I'm trying my best but it's nice to have the positivity around the Mystics, Mes said."
One position, one job, one goal at a time has helped Mes immensely.
The lightning-quick combination with Mystics midcourter Elisapeta Toeava has stunned audiences. Add veteran Maria Folau to the mix and a developing Jamie Hume and you have a formidable attacking end.
At the halfway point of the competition Mes currently sits on 79 percent shooting accuracy which she is looking to grow in the Mystics first match up against state highway one rivals the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic for the inaugural Hobbiton Cup.
"I don't change too much depending who I'm on with because as a unit we have our principals that we want to play." says Mes
"We've got really clear focusses each week which we can see coming out on court now and it makes everyone buy in a little more and put in that extra work."
The Northern Mystics will play the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in round 8 of the ANZ Premiership on Wednesday 27th June at 7.30pm for the inaugural 'Hobbiton Cup' at Claudelands Arena, Hamilton.
- RNZ
