Allison preparing for new era

By Stephanie Smarrelli

Like many of the world’s best netballers Imogen Allison’s competitive streak and hunger for growth continues to be her driving force. 

With her first major tournament debut for the England Roses in 2022 during the Commonwealth Games and a history-making World Cup silver medal a year later, the 26-year-old is ready to take the next step. 

By making her mark on the world’s best netball league.  

Inking a two-year deal with the Queensland Firebirds, the midcourt star from Huddersfield is prepared to move her entire life across the world.  

And while she’s excited about the prospect of growing her game, Allison admits the thought of playing in the world’s best netball league is as daunting as it is thrilling.  
 
“I want to hit the ground running,” she said. 

“My goal is to jump with two feet in and not put too much pressure on myself, it's quite daunting but I don't want that to hold me back.”  

The apprehension Allison feels is natural for anyone who packs up a bag and leaves home for another country, netballer or not, but the feeling was lessened as soon as Allison met Firebirds head coach Kiri Wills. 

Wills like Allison is moving from overseas to join the Firebirds, something the duo were able to instantly bond over. 

“I met Kiri over Zoom and she said we can be newbies together which made me feel better,” she said. 

The other silver lining for Allison is the fact she won’t be the only player joining the Firebirds from the Netball Super League with goal shooter Mary Cholhok also en route to the Sunny State.  

The last time the two met on court they were on opposing sides in this year’s Netball Super League Grand Final. It was Cholholk and her Loughborough Lightning teammates who prevailed, but Allison has already put it behind her.  

“Mary and I have always gotten along quite well off the court, she's an incredible player,” Allison said. 

“They beat us in the final and it was because of how amazing their whole team was but Mary was incredible in that final. It's a good thing I'm going to be in her team.” 

Allison also has a strong support network around her with Roses teammates Fran Williams and Sasha Glasgow also on Aussie soil. 

Fran was in the the same boat as Allison last year and has been able to provide advice from her own experience. 

"Fran and Sasha have been helping me quite a lot,” Allison said. 

“The club has been very helpful with advice on where I might want to live in Brisbane and stuff like that, but Fran and Sasha have been great, they’re always there for advice when I need them.” 

Part of the Firebirds drawcard for Allison is her desire to be part of the team’s new era in the world’s best league. 

“The Firebirds were really keen on bringing in new faces, they’ve got a new coach, new culture and I was keen to get on board,” she said.  
 
“I'm huge on new experiences and experiencing different cultures to develop your career and becoming a more rounded player. Experiencing the Aussie style more will help me with my game.  

"It's an amazing experience to be able to go halfway across the world to play in the best league in the world. I’m really excited to get the opportunity.”  

Allison can’t wait to sink her teeth into pre-season with the Firebirds following her international duties with England. 
 
With her experience on the international stage, Allison’s strengths for the Firebirds lay in her knowledge and experience as well as her ability to read the play. 

"I'll bring a little bit of experience and I'm quite an aerial player,” she said of her strengths. 

 “Hopefully I'll be able to bring a little bit of that to work with my teammates to turn over ball and get it down the other end,” she said. 

While she may have been signed for her experience, the 26-year-old is excited to continue to add to her repertoire. 

“I want to learn new things I can take into my game,” she said. 

“I’m ready to fully embrace the Firebirds, learn how they play and introduce a little bit of the Kiwi style to my game as well.” 

Allison believes her international experience will hold her in good stead but she’s looking forward to matching up against opponents with a new game plan. 

“The Aussies are quick, short, sharp and really dynamic,” she said. 

“It'll be great for my game to learn different styles and match up against people I might have already matched up against internationally but with a different game plan.” 

Allison has kept developing her craft over the years, despite a number of setbacks, making the call up to the Firebirds even sweeter, 
 
“I got knocked back from England the first time I trialled. My career hasn’t been linear, but because of that I’ve gotten better and better,” she said.