Why are players wearing masks?

Feature image via: Alan Minifie

Around the country, multiple NBL1 players have been wearing masks in game for different reasons. All four players have interesting reasons why, so check out their explanations below: 

Rachel Antoniadou (Nunawading Spectres) 

In pre-season, a teammate collided with me which resulted in a compound fracture in my nose. I had emergency surgery and the plastic surgeon advised that if I broke it again I’d need a facial reconstruction. Given I broke it twice in the 2022 season and then last year in pre-season, I’m not too keen on another break or another surgery! 

Image via: Hayden Morrish

Miela Goodchild (North Gold Coast Seahawks) 

During the start of the WNBL season, I broke my nose in training while defending a screen. I got a nasal reconstruction done however a week later I re-broke my nose in a game (it was actually the goat, LJ who I broke my nose on). Again, I got a nasal reconstruction and this custom mask made to protect my nose. When I get hit the mask spreads the impact throughout my face so not all the impact is directly in one spot.

Image via: Gordon Greaves

Taya Hanson (South West Metro Pirates) 

Two minutes into my second game here in Australia, I took a good shot to the head! The cut was pretty darn deep, so they put me under and had a wonderful plastic surgeon stitch me up. 

Man, what a way to start this Aussie adventure lol! Just so thankful for all the love I received from the Pirates community and now I get to wear this sweet mask, that I’m still debating whether it's some serial killer or superhero vibe.

Image via: Alan Minifie

Curt Ah Wang (Cairns Marlins) 

In the second-round home game against North Gold Coast, I got elbowed in the mouth and three of my front teeth were knocked out. I couldn’t get a mouth guard til last week hence why I got the mask made.

Image via: Jack Riddiford

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