WITH the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season done and dusted Draft Central takes a look back at the year that was for each team, where they went wrong, improvements and hopes for the 2021 season. It has been an unconventional season to say the least with a condensed season, rolling subs, introduction of the super shot, extended benches and of course the Queensland hub making for an action packed year of netball. Our penultimate review focuses on grand finalists West Coast Fever, with the side coming heartbreakingly close to an inaugural premiership but falling short.

Ladder: 2nd
Win-loss: 8-1-5
Percentage: 107.47

Overview:

A slow start to the 2020 season from the Fever quickly changed, with an outstanding back half of the season testament to the never say die attitude across the court and renewed sense of excitement. While there is no doubt the Fever were hit with a couple of devastating injuries – to Courtney Bruce early on and Ingrid Colyer with a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the second half of the season – the side rallied and fought through every issue on court. Jhaniele Fowler proved crucial as ever with her match-winning ways, consistency and accuracy to post, while Alice Teague-Neeld stepped up her game and showcased her playmaking ability better than ever out the front. Prior to injury, Colyer was in career-best form while her replacement in Emma Cosh proved she was more than capable of stepping up to the challenge and playing out the season. 

Verity Charles showcased her improvement, exciting speed and hunt across the court, dominating with her constant drive in both attack and defence while defensively Stacey Francis lifted her game and young guns Sunday Aryang and Olivia Lewis both had their moments in the spotlight. Both young defenders proved they are more than capable of stepping up to SSN, with Bruce holding down the goal circle consistently as ever and leading her side valiantly. The side had far more depth this season and showcased their development regularly, proving coach Stacey Marinkovich’s trust in the extended lineup. While the Fever’s season ultimately ended in heartbreak, they have plenty of great moments to take out of their run to finals, convincingly showcasing their ability to turn on the heat time and time again.

Shining light:

It is safe to say that while there were a number of players who stood up in the Fever ranks this season, Bruce and Fowler in particular, there was rarely a moment when Charles did not step up and wreak havoc through the midcourt. Her renewed sense of speed, aggressiveness and willingness to take control saw the centre stand up consistently and earn an Australian Diamonds call-up for her efforts. Charles’ ability to not only create attacking forays but also stand her ground defensively and lead from the front saw her leadership come to the forefront and constantly use her excellent vision to deliver pinpoint passes from range into Fowler at the post.

Best off-season pickup:

While the Fever did not necessarily bring in any new players after last season, they did have the opportunity to blood up some young talent with the extended benches and it well and truly paid off with Aryang an exciting defender who oozes class and composure out on court. Her speed and vision is testament to her hunt on both the ball and player, able to position well to find the loose ball and consistently swoop in for the intercept. Meanwhile, Aryang’s ability to perform under pressure and step up when required allowed her to have an immediate impact each time she took the court, using her long arms to block vision on both the shot and pass and versatility to play a number of roles down back.

Prediction:

With an excellent back-end of the season in the books, expect Fever to be back in the top end of the ladder once again next year with a core group of excellent talent and exciting young guns coming up through the ranks. The versatility the team brought to both their attack and defensive this season showcased their threatening ability to develop and change their play style consistently. While there is yet to be any signing news coming out of the club, the new-look confidence of the Fever unit this season is sure to continue into next year with plenty to play for.