They’re among our most celebrated Silver Ferns, but after hanging up their netball bibs for bibs of a decidedly less glamorous nature, Anna Stanley, Tania Dalton and Belinda Colling are having the time of their lives in their preferred positions – being mums.
All three netball legends have ditched the court in favour of being behind the microphone, sharing commentating duties on Sky Sport for the ANZ Championship – and, of course, spending time with their kids. The trio spoke to New Zealand Woman’s Weekly about their gorgeous children and life after the Ferns.
**Anna Stanley
**Mother to Jaya (5), Nikau (3) and Zac (14 months)
Having captained the Ferns for three years, Anna’s used to putting her body on the line. Now she’s more concerned with stopping her 14-month-old son Zac putting all sorts of things into his mouth. “He gets into everything!” says Anna (36) as she wrestles part of a doorstop out of Zac’s little hands.
With her three spirited children, Anna’s got the makings of nearly half a Sevens rugby team, something that would suit her husband, former All Black Jeremy Stanley. “Jaya and Nikau are just about to start Rippa rugby. Nikau wanted to do it and we figured Jaya would be down there anyway. I think she’s the only girl in the team, but if she’s anything like Mummy, she’ll be beating them all!” laughs Anna.
“They’re at that stage where they’re just starting to play sport, which is hugely exciting.” Life in the Stanley household is manic at the best of times, but Anna reckons that’s the best part about being a mum. “That’s why you have kids, you want to be busy,” she says.
Anna knew the time was right to retire from international netball in 2006. “I had 12 years at the top and I was ready to move on and be a mum. I got married and had babies and that was always where I wanted to be.”
Tania Dalton
Mother to Taylor (10), Charlie (8) and Matty (4)
She may no longer be playing for the Ferns, but life for Tania (40) is still hectic. Juggling her commentating duties, her business and three energetic kids means she’s still fighting fit. “The kids are all quite sporty, which is nice,” says Tania. “Watching them play is an even bigger buzz than playing yourself, because you’re so proud. I teared up when I saw Taylor win her cross-country!”
It’s easy to see whose daughter Taylor is. With her long legs, wide grin and fiercely competitive attitude, she’s Tania in miniature, while Charlie is the “nice guy” of the Dalton family and a big fan of the Breakers basketball team. Matty’s the baby of the brood. “He’s such a hard case, the things he comes out with,” says Tania.
After retiring from netball last year, Tania’s been able to spend more time with her family, something she says is invaluable. “I always tell my husband that as long as I’m there after school for all their activities, I’m not missing out on anything.”
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Belinda Colling**
Mother to Max (6), Perri (5), Ruby (3) and Marley (1)
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After a successful career in both netball and basketball, Belinda (36) knows what it’s like having a lot of balls in the air. Now with four children, working part time, as well as coaching and commentating, she still has her hands full, but Belinda takes comfort from her own mother’s wisdom.
“The thing she always tells me, that sticks with me, is that sometimes you have to relax as a parent. We’ve become so worried abut the expectations we place on ourselves as mothers.” However, relaxing may not always be on the agenda, especially as her little ones all have such diverse personalities.
“You’ve got Max, he’s a cool dude, and he loves rugby with a passion. Perri is my little helper, she’s arty and girly. Ruby’s the colourful one. Plenty of spunk with lots of attitude! Marley’s the baby, she’s adventurous and she climbs on everything.”
Living on their Ranfurly farm means there’s plenty for the kids to do. “It’s all go… and it’s great. But a little more sleep sometimes would be great too!”
