IN each round of Suncorp Super Netball we will identify key match-ups, provide an analysis of players and compare the two styles. This week’s head to head sees two internationals battle it out under the goal post with Romelda Aiken leading the way for the Firebirds and Sarah Klau the last line of defence for the Swifts.

QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS v. NSW SWIFTS
Romelda Aiken (GS) v. Sarah Klau (GK)

Both players are key cogs for their respective sides with Aiken dictating the scoring for the Firebirds, often acting as the lynchpin in the goal circle while Klau controls the tempo and flow of the game for the Swifts down back. It will be an intriguing battle for both sides as Klau is steadily building into form while Aiken has rekindled her dominant ways.

The leader and most experienced player in the Firebirds attack unit, Aiken has stepped up to the plate in season 2020 constantly commanding the ball and scoring with relative ease. Her reach is second to none, able to bring the ball down from great heights and provide a constant option inside the goal circle. The goal shooter has a renewed sense of confidence in the way she attacks the ball and holds under the post, warding off defenders to protect the space close to the post. Her confidence has also been shown through her increased volume and accuracy to post, sinking 355 goals for the season to sit second behind compatriot Jhaniele Fowler. Aiken’s netball smarts have been on display this season with the goal shooter sensing the time to drive out of the circle to allow youngster Tippah Dwan to glide in. Their connection has steadily built throughout the season while she is also relishing the speed of release from Mahalia Cassidy and Jemma Mi Mi out the front.

It has been somewhat of an inconsistent season for Klau so far with the goal keeper showcasing glimpses of dominance but not delivering for a full 60 minutes week in week out. However, there is no denying that she is a menace in the air able to get hands to ball with her impressive leap and innate hunt for the ball. Her fancy footwork enables her to cleanly work around the body of her opponents and although she gives away a couple of centimetres to Aiken the battle for space will be crucial. The goal keeper has been a constant for the Swifts in defence with Lauren Moore and Maddy Turner both rotating through that goal defence position as the latter returns from injury. Their circle rotation has sometimes offset Klau’s regular cleanliness and ability to read the play to go out hunting. She has impressive closing speed and is strong on the rebound able to use her clever body positioning to claim prime position for missed shots.

Klau is renowned for her ability to push goalers up high and force them to shoot from range, something Aiken is not overly comfortable with, and therefore an area the Swifts will be hoping to exploit. The Firebirds goal shooter is a real barometer for the side, often drawing the attention of two defenders to allow Dwan to fly under the radar at times something the Swifts will have to be acutely aware of heading into the clash. It will be a grind for both players given neither of them give an inch in the contest and consistently butter up for the next passage of play.

Other key match-ups in Round 10 include the contest between Melbourne Vixens goal keeper Emily Mannix and the red hot Fowler while the midcourt battle with Jess Anstiss and Liz Watson will be one to keep an eye out for. Jamie-Lee Price and Laura Langman are likely to go head to head in the centre while in the Adelaide Thunderbirds versus Collingwood Magpies game Geva Mentor and Lenize Potgieter are set to face off under the post. Round 11 will also see a number of key players battle it out with Kate Moloney and Paige Hadley likely to meet in the centre while Karla Pretorius will be hoping to extend her hot form against Alice Teague-Neeld. Shimona Nelson will have to be on her A-game against Sam Poolman in their Round 11 clash while Adelaide Thunderbirds youngster Georgie Horjus is likely to come up against 22-year-old goal defence Kim Jenner.