WITH the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season done and dusted Draft Central takes a look back at the year that was for each team, where they went wrong, improvements and hopes for the 2021 season. It has been an unconventional season to say the least with a condensed season, rolling subs, introduction of the super shot, extended benches and of course the Queensland hub making for an action packed year of netball. The next team on the list is Adelaide Thunderbirds who finished in seventh spot.

Ladder: 7^th
Win-loss: 5-9
Percentage: 96.49%

Overview:
It was an up and down season for the Adelaide Thunderbirds who showed glimpses of what they could be if they put out a consistent four quarter performance week-in week-out, claiming big wins against both eventual grand finalists Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever. The difference between the Thunderbirds’ best and worst was notable, an area they will hope to address over the off-season. They managed five wins for the season and suffered nine losses but were extremely competitive pushing sides to their limits and using their ball speed to slice opposition teams open.

Adelaide made the most of their defensive options with Shamera Sterling, Layla Guscoth and Kate Shimmin all rotating through the circle. Sterling was her usual dominant self, picking off intercepts with ease and locking down shooters thanks to her smothering style of play while Guscoth often tagged her opponent out of the contest thanks to her impressive court coverage and shadowing ability. The Thunderbirds unlocked some gems through the midcourt with the likes of Maisie Nankivell starring in wing defence, centre and wing attack such is her skillset and netball smarts to dominate in all three positions while Shadine van der Merwe was no mean feat in at wing defence. Hannah Petty offered plenty of grunt through the centre using her defensive attributes to win ball back while her co-captain Chelsea Pitman provided a sense of composure and class to the attacking unit with her deft touches and skill around circle edge.

Shining light:
In a season where the unexpected became expected, youngster Georgie Horjus took the competition by storm. The 18-year-old burst onto the scene and was crucial in the Thunderbirds side, able to ply her trade both in wing attack and her preferred position of goal attack. Her movement and timing was exciting to watch, often leaving defenders in the dust while her confidence to back herself from range and sink the super shot left many in awe. Still young and coming up through the ranks, Horjus was not afraid to take the game on, command the ball and use her netball smarts to initiate attacking forays to get the ball rolling. Her one-two play with Pitman was game-changing as the two combined seamlessly and she will only grow further in the coming seasons.

Best off-season pickup:
There is no denying that Lenize Potgieter was a key cog for the Adelaide frontend with her unconventional shooting style hardly faltering, allowing her to continuously trouble the scoreboard. The South African goal shooter was impossible to stop with her deceptively strong holds working wonders for the Thunderbirds. Pair that with her silky footwork and ability to edge closer the post and Potgieter was a prominent figure. Although not the tallest shooter her body positioning enabled her to out manoeuvre her opponent and claim prime position to be a threat for the Thunderbirds. Her accuracy to post was also impressive while her rebounding ability was another standout throughout the 2020 season.

Prediction:
2021 will be an interesting season for the Thunderbirds with Pitman, Shimmin and Sasha Glasgownot offered a contract begging the question of who will replace who and where will the leadership and class come from to settle that young attacking line-up. Defensively the Thunderbirds have no shortage of stars but need to find a level of consistency to ensure they can rise up the ladder.