IN each round of the ANZ Premiership we will identify one key match-up, provide an in-depth analysis of both players and compare the two styles. The next battle sees two threatening players go head to head in a battle of first versus fourth.

CENTRAL PULSE v. NORTHERN STARS

Grace Kara (WA) v. Karin Burger (WD)

It is a tantalising matchup of old and new Silver Ferns when Grace Kara and Karin Burger go head-to-head on Saturday night, with the two players stellar in their own right with plenty of speed and drive to nullify their opponent. Last time they met was for the return of the competition back in Round 2, and while the Pulse racked up the highest score for the season so far, the Stars will be out with a vengeance coming into this one with improved connections and a drive to pressure the Pulse who have been well matched in a couple of outings this season. In that match it seemed to be Kara who had the upper hand despite the loss, with Burger playing out three quarters but unable to stop ball from getting to Kara who finished with 15 assists and 22 centre pass receives.

Kara’s speed and cleanliness is her advantage, with plenty of experience allowing her to spot an open player down the court and ensure the ball makes it to them with ease. Her vision of space is second to none, able to capitalise on opportunities through the midcourt and drive with speed to the open space and propel ball into the circle. With quick hands and stellar footwork to match, Kara can outrun her opposition with an impressive turn of speed and the consistency to push through slow patches to still be a driving force in attack. 

Her ball placement into the goal circle sees her be a consistent threat on circle edge, able to ply her trade with ease thanks to her zippy footwork and strength on the hold to evade her defender. Her clever positioning allows her to rotate the goal circle and force movement from her goalers, with Maia Wilson a huge target and ultimately served ball on a silver platter by the wing attack, with Kara’s clean hands and quickfire passes allowing Wilson to edge closer to the post with ease.

While Kara is brimming with experience and consistency, Burger has an impressive approach to the wing defence position having rotated through from circle defence over the past season. With more exposure to the position and elevated confidence over the past few rounds, Burger has been a continuous force. Able to switch between a shut-down one-on-one role and a roving role getting under the skin of feeders, Burger plies her trade with ease thanks to her vision of the play and ball as well as her evasive footwork allowing her to get around the body to deflect the ball cleanly. 

The wing defence may be on the taller side for her position but uses it to her advantage, able to block vision down the court and into the circle with ease. Burger’s impressive wingspan also allows her to scoop in turnover ball, consistently able to anticipate ball placement and use her quick feet to evade her opposition to drive the ball back down the court. Burger’s combination with fellow defenders Katrina Rore and Kelly Jury sees the trio constantly pressuring passes and is a credit to their know-how, with Burger’s knowledge of the circle allowing her to block her wing attack and force them into positions for cross-court ball, allowing her teammates to gobble up intercepts with ease.

Expect it to be a tight contest, with Burger having a stellar last few games, while Kara continues to be a consistent performer week-in and week-out. If Burger can contest the ball and shut down Kara’s playmaking skills like she did last round against Peta Toeava, the Pulse defender could be a crucial reason for the Pulse coming out on top. That being said, if Kara can do what she does best and open up space down the court, the Stars could have a real chance here with this match to be the Pulse’s second for the round.