In a new series, Draft Central casts an eye over the top performer from the round, taking into account not only their individual stats, but their overall impact on the game. Round 4 of the ANZ Premiership saw a number of key players lead the way for their respective teams and put their best foot forward. However, this week the title goes to Ellie Bird.

After a few inconsistent weeks where she struggled to find her feet, Mainland Tactix’s goal shooter Ellie Bird put out a stellar performance on the weekend, only missing one of her 55 shots against the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in a 63-59 victory. Shooting at 98 per cent, Bird seemed to have the ball on a string inside the goal circle and was having a field day as shown through her composure and smarts to withstand the physicality and step up to the challenge. She was influential under the post, able to control proceedings with her movement and slick footwork along the baseline allowing the Tactix feeders to find her with great ease. 

Bird displayed her impressive holding skills throughout the match. At 196cm tall, she has the height behind to hold back in the ring and wait for the lob over the head of her opponents, which was being cleverly delivered to her by Player of the Match, Tactix centre Kimiora Poi, and wing attack Erikana Pedersen. The midcourt duo utilised their speed and dynamic movement to perfect the pass into Bird who was taking full advantage of her shorter defender. 

Bird was able to set herself up comfortably under the ring for the hold because of the work being done out the front by goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit, who returned for her second game with the Tactix this week after being sidelined with an ankle injury. She made sure to create the space under the post, keeping herself clear and managing 25 goal assists from 26 feeds. With Selby-Rickit out the front, Bird looked a lot more confident to go to post and was relishing her excellent delivery into the circle. In fact Bird was a key reason for the Tactix securing their first win of the season as the goal shooter piled on the scoreboard pressure thanks to her high volume and accuracy to post.

Bird’s dominance in converting goals unsettled Magic from the start, and caused them to make an early change in the defence to try and keep on top of her, swapping Temalisi Fakahokotau out and bringing Georgia Tong into goal keeper before Erena Mikaere tried her hand in hope to quell the goal shooter’s dominance. 

The Tactix’s were desperate for this win, losing their first three games of the season despite going in as potential favourites and will be hoping to build off this win.