IT was the first round of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) with a host of new rules coming into play and fresh faces gracing the court. Across the ditch things heated up in the ANZ Premiership as the fight for a spot in the top two continued with a couple of surprise results headlining the round.

Return of Suncorp Super Netball
There was plenty of debate around whether or not we would even see an SSN season with COVID-19 restrictions forcing teams to flee their state and seek refuge elsewhere to make the season viable. Queensland become home to the Vixens and Magpies as the Fever and Thunderbirds were set to travel to New South Wales. But only days out from the season opener a scare in COVID-19 numbers saw the SSN shift all teams to a hub in Queensland meaning both the GIANTS and NSW Swifts were now also on the move in hope to keep the season alive. Despite all the last minute changes to accommodation and fixture alterations, Round 1 kicked off with a bang with all eight teams putting on a competitive display and making full use of the new rules.

Super Shot in SSN
The controversial rule provided an element of theatrics throughout the round with youngster and Queensland Firebirds goaler Tippah Dwan the first player in the competition to sink the super shot. Each team approached the two point goal in a different way with Sunshine Coast Lightning the most effective of the eight teams thanks to the hot hand of Diamonds goaler, Steph Wood. The goal attack slotted a whopping 10 goals from 11 attempts at 91 per cent showcasing her rangy shot and accuracy. Her influence from perimeter edge single handedly changed the flow of the game for the Lightning. Newcomer Sam Gooden also took full advantage of the super shot with nine from 10 for the Thunderbirds. The super shot saw teams employ unconventional methods in the final minutes of the quarter with players opting to pass out from under the post in hope to score the maximum and worry the scoreboard.

Mystics put an end to Pulse’s winning streak
After leading for the entire game the Pulse fell off the boil in the final term with the Mystics sensing their lack of intensity and pouncing to claim the biggest upset of the season. it was a season defining game for the Mystics who are just off the Tactix in second on the ladder. The win against the reigning premiers gives them a huge confidence boost heading into the last couple of games. Their never say die attitude and effort on the last line of defence from Sulu Fitzpatrick and Phoenix Karaka is what kept them in the game amassing a combined eight gains, four intercepts and 10 deflections. It was a return to form through the midcourt for Peta Toeava and Tayla Earle who after being well held in her previous outings commanded the ball in the attacking third and delivered it with speed.

Plenty of young talent littered throughout the SSN
The introduction of the extended benches and rolling subs has paid dividends for the young up and coming players in Australian netball with a host of exciting prospects debuting across Round 1. Adelaide Thunderbirds goaler Georgie Horjus made a name for herself in her first outing for the club with her inclination to go to post, silky movement out the front and playmaking abilities. Goaler Nyah Allen and midcourter Molly Jovic also debuted for Collingwood Magpies while Jacqui Newton also hit the court for the first time for the Vixens. Dwan impressed for the Firebirds with her attack to post while Lauren Moore took the competition by storm, winning player of the match honours thanks to her defensive prowess for the Swifts. For the Fever Sunday Aryang wowed out in goal defence with her hands over pressure and speed off the mark. There was no shortage of breakout performances with a wealth of developing players pleading their case for more court time given their ability to burst out of the blocks and have an impact on the court.

Magic claim first win since Round 1
In a topsy turvy affair it was the Magic that reigned supreme in the dying seconds to claim a hard-fought and well deserved win over the Steel. Tears of elation graced the face of captain Sam Winders after the game with the centre leaving nothing to chance and contesting every ball that came her way throughout the game. Despite having their chances to put their foot down and run away the Magic’s ball movement and confidence wavered in patches throughout the match gifting the Southern Steel a chance to work their way into the match and hold control. Whitney Souness provided the spark the Magic needed with a game defining intercept on the transverse line as Abigail Latu-Meafou delivered under the post. But it was the defensive efforts from Erena Mikaere, Georgia Tong and Holly Fowler that shone true for the Magic with the trio working in overdrive to cause a ruckus and win ball back. After notching up two draws and being so close in previous weeks their hard work finally paid off and it was evident just how much it meant to every player.

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Centre Pass Podcast: Georgie Horjus interview (Round 1 wrap)

Centre Pass Podcast: Molly Jovic interview (Round 1 preview)

Picture credit: Michael Bradley