IN each round we will identify one key match-up, provide an in-depth analysis of both players and compare the two styles. This match-up sees a mix of experience and youth going up against each other in the goal circle making for an interesting contest between the two sides, given just how much is on the line. 

WAIKATO BAY OF PLENTY MAGIC v. NORTHERN STARS
Erena Mikaere (GK) v. Maia Wilson (GS)

With both the Magic and Stars looking for their second win of the season it will be an intense battle under the post to claim the early ascendancy and stake a claim on the match. Maia Wilson has been a focal point for the Stars throughout the season so far while Erena Mikaere has been up and down, keen to find some consistency in her performance. 

Spearheading attack once again, the load falls to Wilson to lead her team under the post and deliver. She is a commanding presence who is hard to match-up against given her versatility and prolific scoring ability making her a constant threat for opposition teams. Her movement and increased stamina has been evident since the return to netball with the goal shooter carving up the goal circle with her quick footwork. Not afraid to back herself from range, Wilson can create options both under the post and from mid-range. It is almost impossible to stop the ball from going into Wilson when she is holding strong under the post, able to keep defenders at bay with her clever body work and use of angles. The 22-year-old continues to develop at a rate of knots, unfazed by the pressure of defenders and instead absorbing the physicality and thriving off it to make her opposition pay with her accuracy to post. Thriving off the ball placement and movement of captain Grace Kara, Wilson can quickly get into damaging positions in the goal circle and deliver a high volume week in week out. The main scorer for the Stars, an increased effort from the likes of Jamie Hume will allow the goaler to shine even more and take advantage of the one on ones under the post.

For the Magic Mikaere is as experienced as they come plying her trade in both the ANZ Premiership and Suncorp Super Netball in recent years. The goal keeper can turn the game on its head with her long limbs and read of the play to go out hunting and take a huge intercept. Mikaere is never far from the contest whether it be under the post or in the defensive third credit to her tenacious style of play. Standing at 192cm she is deceptively quick, able to spring into action within a blink of an eye while her pressure and lean over the shot is just as intimidating. Pairing with the likes of Holly Fowler and Georgia Tong, Mikaere relies on her experience to do the talking, dictating the space and controlling the tempo of the game with her composed nature. Sometimes heavily penalised given her ferocious attack on the ball, Mikaere makes up for it with her ball winning tendencies whether it be via intercepts, deflections or pressure to create turnovers. Her positioning under the post is another key element of her game play allowing the goal keeper to go up for the rebound and drag it down. 

With Wilson in ripping form under the post and hardly ever missing Mikaere will have to draw on every inch of experience to get inside the young goaler’s head and deter her from going to post. The battle will be intriguing given both are strong in the air and can hold their own under the post testament to their strength and netball smarts. Mikaere is an excitement machine for Waikato Bay of Plenty but has struggled to find consistency in recent weeks, something she will have to do if she has any chance of shutting down Wilson at the post.