In July 2011 I was fortunate enough to travel to Singapore to host approximately 500 Sportsnet guests for the World Netball Championships.

An avid netballer myself, this was a trip I was very much looking forward to – being able to watch the new look Australian Diamonds team take on their nemesis the Silver Ferns, all in a country I had never travelled to previously.

As soon as we landed at Changi Airport and left the air-conditioned building for our transfer, I knew that I had packed too heavily and that at best I would need the same 3x pairs of shorts, along with a few singlets and polos for the duration of my 1.5 week stay. Man, it was STICKY and HOT! At that point I prayed the air-con in the stadium was going to be adequate otherwise our clients would have been sitting in pools of sweat for hours at a time watching sport!

A cold beer was a welcome relief from the humidity during the trip

At the first opportunity for some free time, I grabbed my camera, slapped on a little sunscreen and started walking. I still maintain that the best way to see a city is to walk, walk, walk… then walk some more. Some of the best experiences I’ve had overseas have been when the plan for the day is simply ‘no plan, just walk’. I meandered and noticed that vast array of cultures in Singapore, from Indian to Chinese to Western and more.

Walking around Singapore I noticed this nail salon and snapped a photo I think that the name might have been lost in translation!

The MRT (railway) network is by far the best I have seen in the world (so far). Completely automated (no drivers) and underground, it runs like clockwork – a far cry from the timetables in Melbourne, especially during summer! Clean, easy to navigate, air-conditioned, all linked and very safe, the MRT nothing short of exceptional! Friends will tell you all I did when I returned back to Oz was drone on about how impressive I thought their underground ‘world’ was, however what do you expect from a Systems and Communications Manager?!
If I had to highlight one thing I took away from Singapore above all it would have to be the forethought in the planning of the city. I thought that the MRT underground ‘world’ was impressive enough, then I learned from a local that it was built that way deliberately – to sustain the city underground – in case of an act of war from a neighbouring country! The highway to and from the airport to the city doubles as an emergency landing strip for military aircraft! It takes 45 mins, from the initial signal, to down all hanging signs over the highway so aircraft can land… I mean, Wow. Such a small nation yet such Big Picture thinking.

The MRT underground network was a whole new world in itself

The pool atop the Marina Bay Sands, from a 'visitors' perspective! You have to stay to enter.

But back to the netball (which was the purpose for the trip), nothing could have ended the journey better than witnessing yet another over-time match between old foes the Diamonds and the Silver Ferns. At the end of normal time, the Diamonds had clawed back a 6-goal deficit to level the scores. A short break and the girls were back on court, everyone in the stadium sitting on the edge of their seats while the ball went back and forth down the court. As it were, the New Zealand fans were on the opposite side of the court to the Aussie fans which resulted in an electric atmosphere. Golden girl Caitlin Bassett got a quick inside pass from the centre court in the last second and, in keeping with her near-perfect tournament record, slotted home the winner.

The crowd went ballistic. The team went ballistic. I went ballistic. Turning to my Sportsnet colleague sitting next to me, I jumped into his arms and he hoisted me upward – a fair feat for both of us let me add – and I screamed in joy at the win.

It was the most exciting sporting experience of my life as a spectator by far and a moment I will cherish forever.

The reason we went the Aussie Diamonds as World Champions in 2011

The crowd were ready early for the second last day of the tournament.

The NZ v England match had a lot of fire, in particular George and Sonia Mkoloma, who ended up in a mini pushing match mid court during the third quarter. New Zealand dominated and finished ahead by 15 goals.

The largely Australian crowd was already salivating towards the end of the match at the prospect of the Diamonds taking the court against the Sunshine Girls. After the previous days effort against Malawi, the fans wanted blood, sweat and tears pouring from their beloved Australian girls.

The Diamonds did not disappoint.

What had been missing all week was on show today, the Diamonds defensive duo of Fuhrman and Corletto were instrumental against the tall timber of Aiken and Fowler.

Australia had established an winning position at ¾ quarter time, affording Norma Plummer the luxury of giving the bench players some court time, bringing on Geitz, Pitman and Basset (Bell was substituted on the court with 5 mins to spare).

The final margin was 36 goals.

Despite the finals atmosphere, the action at the netball was almost surpassed tonight as an intimate group of 20-odd were hosted by Vicki Wilson at Vansh, an Indian inspired restaurant bar, in a private room discussing netball, both past and present.

Vicki invited 4 special guests to partake in the exclusive event;

• Jill McIntosh; former Australian netball head coach
• Dominique Harverson; former South African national representative
• Bronwyn Roberts; former Australian team Manager
• Julie Seymour; former New Zealand captain and national representative

Each special guest took turns fielding questions from Vicki and providing a unique, but more importantly, personable insight in their time at the elite level.

The Sportsnet group were privy to Dominique discussing Irene Van Dyk’s defection to New Zealand and the backlash the followed, Julie talking through her experience in the recent Christchurch earthquake, even Jill putting forward her strong views on how well the history of netball is promoted (or rather, not) in Australia.

No one was left hungry throughout the event, with an exquisite array of food continuously brought through the room including infused mushrooms, succulent spiced chicken and a delicious, melt in your mouth lamb. To wash it all down the group were served a selection of beers, wines and soft drinks.

To say the event was ‘exclusive’ is an understatement given the calibre of guests, as well as the informal discussions that played out, including the all-star 7 from the tournament that each special guest thought would be the ultimate team.

The event was simply… once in a lifetime.