Fast rise for Stibners

Brett Stibners is now looking to International competition for his next challenge in Wheelchair Basketball.

PHOTO: Michael Lee

AFTER only three years of competition, Brett Stibners rapid rise in the sport of Wheelchair Basketball is continuing.

The only difference is it is on the world stage this time, after being selected for the Australian squad that will contest the World Cup in Amsterdam.

Stibners spent the last ten months competing in the Spanish league with league side Amfiv and was set to link up with his national side The Wollongong Roller Hawks, before hearing the news one week before his return to the country.

The experience in the Spanish league further accelerated his development according to Australian Coach Murray Treseder,

Brett has experienced a very rapid rise in the sport, said Treseder.

It is a case of being in the right place at the right time as Troy Sachs has had to pull out due to family reasons.

Brett will form part of a new combination that is untested at international level and will offer our main players relief.

He has very sound fundamentals and a tremendous desire and work rate to get things done, he added.

Stibners looks back on the fast rise and now refuses to look to far into the future.

Playing in Spain has definitely increased my confidence, I can lead a team now, he said.

I am remaining focusing on what I want to achieve and that is to be part of a major Australian Championship win.

As for his role in the win or any win for that matter;

I dont want to be on the bench, anyone can do that, added Stibners.

Accompanying his fierce determination and winning attitude is a love of being part of a team.

Stibners is a former Australian U21 Indoor Hockey representative and was selected for the Australian Mens team just days before a car accident resulted in the loss of his left leg from the knee down.

Unaware of his skills as a Hockey player, Treseder adds, It does not surprise me, all elite sports people have a work habit and the desire to set goals which is the advantage. This triggers Treseders memory of the first time the two crossed paths.

Two years ago I recall him coming to a talent camp in Sydney, as fellow Roller Hawk Tristan Knowles had big wraps on him.

Brett didnt last the camp out and blistered up pretty bad and I distinctly remember him saying next time he will be more prepared, and he was, added Treseder.

So what does the future hold for Stibners, Playing in Spain made me more determined. I now know that if I become the best player I can be, in or out of the Australian team then Australia will be a good team.