Jordan Netto: Getting thrown in the deep end
UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club | January 28, 2025
Jordy Netto had a different introduction than most to Sydney First Grade cricket. The then-18-year-old was strapping his pads on at Bon Andrews, playing Third Grade against Northern District.
UTS North Sydney Opening batsman, Tim Reynolds, had just been flattened by a Charlie Anderson bouncer, and required a concussion sub. North Sydney captain at the time, Nic Bills, knocked on the door and told Netto to stop padding up here, you need to come pad up at North Sydney Oval. He became First Grade cap 699 and hit his first ball through the covers for four, and is now an established player in Sydney's top flight.
We sat down with the Kings' product to chat more about his cricketing journey.
Where did your cricketing journey begin?
For me cricket started in milo cricket in kindergarten, so that would have been when I was seven.
Who is a player you looked up to growing up? And why?
I looked up to both Brad Haddin and Glenn Maxwell, just the way both of them took the game on and weren’t afraid to play their shots. Their aggressive style at the crease was exciting to watch and the way they both had an impact in the field showed me that a player can impact a game in many facets.
You came through the ranks at Kings, what did you learn playing at school?
Coming through at King’s definitely was huge in my development. Having both the access to excellent training facilities and the opportunity to train with high class players like Lachie Shaw and Baxter Holt showed me the importance of work ethic, consistency and training with intensity.
You made your First-Grade debut for Norths as a concussion sub, how was that and what was the preparation like?
That experience definitely taught me a lot about my cricket and being thrown in the deep end on short notice and performing decently definitely gave me a lot of confidence. I think the preparation for me was the training I did throughout the season and having that opportunity to debut on such short notice lessened the nerves I felt during the game.
When did you feel like you belonged at that level? Did it take a while? Or are you still searching for it?
Definitely still searching for the feeling of belonging, I feel I have put a few good performances together in the top grade but I am still looking for more consistency, I think that is the key to feeling like I belong at that level.
Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
My dad provided me with the best advice, from a young age he told me that there are bumps in every journey and the importance of dealing with adversity as best as I can and moving forward.
Are there any processes you go through while you are batting? To keep you relaxed or focussed?
Yes definitely, I have the same process when I walk on the pitch and take two deep breaths and remind myself of my cues, then just try focus on each ball and really try and pick up the seam. When I’m doing those processes well, I give myself the best chance of scoring runs, but these processes are always a work in progress for me.
What would you tell a 12-year-old Jordan Netto?
I would tell myself just to keep enjoying my cricket and really try and relish any cricketing opportunities I was handed both at school and for Northern Districts and now the Bears.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
In 5 years, I hope to be a solidified first grade player and dominating at that level. Most importantly I would like to keep enjoying cricket and having fun with the lads on and off the field.
How would you rate your traps out of 10?
Probably a 7/10, definitely room for improvement there but don’t want to take any more of my neck away.
What is the most important aspect of maintaining a stable relationship?
I’m definitely no expert in this topic but I think healthy communication is definitely the way and maybe a few gifts here and there can help.
Do you want to be viewed as a country boy even though you are from North Rocks?
Yeah, that is definitely the goal for me.
Which teammate is the biggest pest? And why?
I would say Olly Knight is the biggest pest by playing his emo tunes in the changeroom and is encouraged by James Campbell, however lately he has stepped out into some new tunes which has been good. But Knighty is definitely good value on and off the field and always has some good bant to keep the spirits up.
Why do you love playing for the Bears?
I love the social aspect of the club, I know that every time I go to training or games I’m definitely going to enjoy having a laugh with the boys. Another reason is NSO which has to be the nicest grade cricket field in Sydney and is always a great place to bat.
What is your favourite aspect of a Braai?
Every aspect of a Braai, there is nothing better than having the whole family around the Braai and enjoying a few beers, having good chats and then destroying some biltong and boerewors rolls with the family.
- Callum Hill.
- Images: Tony Johnston & Ian Bird.
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