Netball Untamed: Kelly Jackson

“It’s Simple – Untamed Means Playing Netball, and Living Life, With Freedom and Instinct”

Netball, a non-contact sport? Mate, you’re dreaming! As our sport grows and evolves to dizzying new heights of physicality, skill and speed, we chat to our ANZ Premiership players about what playing ‘untamed’ means to them, and how they’re adapting their own gameplay to rise and meet the new challenges – and exciting opportunities! – that arise from netball’s new era.

She’s inspired countless young netball players with her incredible defensive prowess – having taken out Netball New Zealand’s top award, the Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award, for three straight years. A force to be reckoned with the Pulse too, she’s the perfect person to ask just what ‘untamed’ means for her after another sensational season.

Kia ora Kelly! What does the word “untamed” mean to you, both in life and in netball? 

For me, it means the ability to play netball and live life with freedom and instinct .

How has your netball style changed as you’ve gone on in your career? Do you play the game differently than you used to, and if so why?

As you become more experienced I believe you naturally become a lot more sure of yourself in terms of knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and knowing how to deal with pressure situations. For myself, I don’t think my style has changed, I just have a better understanding of what I can and can’t do on court. 

What’s the toughest part of your role on the court, do you think, and how do you train or prepare for it?

Being a goal keep means I am the last line of defence! This then means I need to be able to read and anticipate the play as it is coming down the court. I use a lot of video analysis to help myself prepare for this so I have a better understanding of my opposition's patterns and movements.

How many hours of training do you do a week during the season, and what is one part of your training that may surprise people?

During the season I would probably spend around 10-12 hours training per week! Something that would surprise people is how much time we spend on the bike, too (Wattbike). It allows us to train our energy systems without the impact of running, allowing us to save our legs for the netball sessions. 

We know just how much physical strength is required to play netball, but mental strength is equally important. What do you do to stay mentally sharp and well?

I talk. If I am ever worried or anxious about something I find talking to someone (e.g my partner, psychologist, family, friend, teammate) really helps because a lot of the time the problem feels bigger in your head, so talking about it can really help put things into perspective and clear the mind. 

There's still a perception that netball is exclusively a women's sport. How do you view the increasing participation of men and boys in netball, and what impact does this have on the sport's evolution?

I think it’s awesome that we are seeing such a huge growth in the men's game! They play such an exciting style of netball due to their athleticism, and their involvement is only a great thing for the sport.

Netball used to be seen as a ‘gentle’ sport - a ‘feminine’ alternative for women to play. Obviously nothing is further from the truth in 2025! But do you think there’s elements of that perception that still remains to this day, and how do you like to set the record straight?

I would like netball to be seen by all as an inclusive sport that is played by strong and athletic individuals. 

What’s one drill, strength or skill you swear by on the court to elevate your game and get on top of your opposition?

I’d say ball-on-the-wall work. To be the best you need to be the best at the basics, and having great ball skills is critical as a netballer!

What’s the biggest sacrifice you make in order to play professional netball?

For sure, it’s been living away from my family.

What’s a myth about netball that you think we need to dispel? 

Of course, that netball is a non-contact sport – nothing could be further from the truth!

Where do you feel the most strong and confident, and why?

On the court, I just love being out there!

How much of a game-changer is having a psychological edge over your opponent, and how do you personally get it?

It’s hugely important, I back myself to have an edge when I know I have put the work in off the court ensuring I’m as prepared as possible.

If you could give advice to anyone taking the court this year who wants to tap into their untamed side?

Simple – it’s be yourself.