THE Nations Cup brought plenty of excitement with each nation boasting very talented line-ups filled with a host of young up and coming prospects. We take a look at each country and identify one key player that made a name for themselves on the international stage throughout the competition.

England – Eleanor Cardwell (GS/GA)

In a new look line-up the talented goaler made a lasting imprint on the Roses outfit with her composure and skill. The typical goal shooter was forced out of her comfort zone throughout games, pulling on the goal attack bib and plying her trade in the attacking third. She showcased her versatility and netball nous to read the play and use her height to full effect. Cardwell was not afraid to go to post, backing herself from range and swinging the ball around the circle edge to reposition under the post. The shooter positioned cleverly to gobble up any rebounds that came her way and used her feet to hold space under the post. It was a real testament to her mindset, able to come on and have an impact when things were not going to plan and adapting her game play to suit the needs of the Roses. Her connection with fellow goaler George Fisher is one to watch for future years with the duo finding good space, while her work with Kadeen Corbin was also solid.

Jamaica – Nicole Dixon (C/WA)

Dixon was one of the most consistent players through the midcourt for the Sunshine Girls with the 24-year-old using her speed and light frame to evade opponents across the court. The talented midcourter found plenty of space in the attacking third, hitting the circle edge with pace and precision. She used a variety of passes to shake up her deliveries into the circle and grew with confidence throughout the Nations Cup. She backed herself in the contest, unfazed by the extensive experience of opposing midcourters and worked well with Khadijah Williams to identify the space and capitalise. Dixon racked up the centre pass receives, using her footwork and dynamism to win the ball and weave it down the court.

New Zealand – Maia Wilson (GS)

It was a real coming of age game for the 22-year-old goal shooter. Wilson has been up there in the past couple years using her height and strength to claim prime positioning under the post but this tournament gave her the podium to well and truly shine. Her footwork and accuracy under the post were key aspects to her game and she was unfazed by the physical presence of opposition defenders. Her connection with captain, Ameliaranne Ekenasio was impressive with the two rotating through the circle seamlessly while creating blocks and holds to create easy access to goal. Wilson went from strength to strength throughout the Nations Cup, showcasing her range in the goal circle and high netball IQ to consistently provide an option in the attacking third. Her output was high, posting up plenty of shots and most importantly capitalising on her opportunities. Wilson is definitely a player to watch in the future, finding her feet against some of the world’s best defenders and growing with confidence.

South Africa – Rome Dreyer (C/WA)

With Erin Burger retiring, the reins to the midcourt were up for grabs and Rome Dreyer put her hand up. The talented midcourt player upped the ante throughout the Nations Cup using her change of pace to have an impact across the court. Still developing her craft, Dreyer showcased both her defensive and attacking tendencies to win ball back for her side or deliver well-weighted passes into the circle. Although costly at times, the midcourter has plenty of potential and could become the key cog in the midcourt for the Spar Proteas in years to come.