Mo'onia Gerrard

Sport: Netball
Club: Sydney Swifts
Date of birth: 15.11.80
Height: 180cm
Age: 24

Sporting bio and Achievements:
• Australian Team 04-05, Australian Squad 1999-05,
• U21’s Australian Team1999-2001,
• Sydney Swifts 1998,04-05,
• Sydney Sandpipers 1999-03,
• NSW Open team 1999-04,
• U21’s NSW Team 1998

Bazza Banana was so excited to be interviewing Mo'onia & here’s what they chatted about when they met:

Bazza Banana:
Hey Mo’onia, thanks so much for taking time out of your very busy training schedule to speak to us today. Netball is a pretty competitive sport – is there anyone who sticks out in your mind as a particularly tough opponent?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
Me….I’m so hard on myself.

Bazza Banana:
Wow, it sounds as though you're very tough on yourself. If that’s the case, what would you say has been your worst injury?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
At the moment I have damaged my knee so that’s a bit of a set back, considering I was out for the season in 2004 because I fractured my ankle. They are the two major injuries I’ve ever had playing netball.

Bazza Banana:
Ouch! That must have hurt. What would you say is your greatest achievement?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
Getting into the Australian team because I worked my butt off when I was injured so I could have a crack at getting into the team.

Bazza Banana:
Good stuff, all your hard work definitely paid off! Have you ever had a losing streak?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
Yeah, at the moment I feel like I have because I was out for the season with my ankle in 2004 and now being injured half way through the 2005 season.

Bazza Banana:
That must be harsh. How do you overcome bad times such as losing streaks or constant injury?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
I tend to get over it pretty quick and laugh it off and surround myself with family and friends.

Bazza Banana:
Awesome advice. So what would you say is your favourite fruit?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
Well I like eating YOU!!!! Mangoes, guava, watermelon and apples too.

Bazza Banana:
Yeah! I'm glad to hear you like bananas, but what about your favourite vegetables?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
Carrots, beetroot, peas and sweet potato.

Bazza Banana:
They're all so yummy! What is your favourite food in general?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
Sushi, fish n chips and homemade hamburgers.

Bazza Banana:
If you hadn’t turned out to be such a wicked netball player, what do you think you would have chosen to do as a career?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
Well I’m doing it now - and that is own my own business which is a Spray Tan Salon.

Bazza Banana:
Cool! Always nice to look golden without lying in the sun's dangerous rays. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
I like being creative so making my own jewellery, clothes etc, going to the beach, playing other sports and hang out with friends.

Bazza Banana:
They sound like hot fun. Who is your hero?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
My dad.

Bazza Banana:
Do you have any nicknames?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
A few because know one can pronounce my name probably so Mon is the easiest.

Bazza Banana:
Mon is a pretty cool nickname, so Mon what do you think is the best thing about playing sport?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
Hanging out with my friends and travelling.

Bazza Banana:
They're great reasons to play sport. What is your favourite motto?
Mo'onia Gerrard:
It’s all about Fun!!! If you’re not laughing and enjoying yourself, don’t do it.

Bazza Banana:
Mon, thanks again for answering all my questions and for spending time with us today. On behalf of the "F & V Gang" I would like to wish you all the best and I have no doubt you will be ripping up the court and doing us proud again soon!