IN a new series, Draft Central casts an eye over the top performer from the round taking into account now only their individual stats but their overall impact on the game. Round 7 of the ANZ Premiership saw a number of key players, lead the way for their respective teams and put their best foot forward. Another defender got the nod this week with Oceane Maihi impressing for the Northern Stars in Round 8.

The goal keeper has struggled for court time throughout the 2021 season but got the start for the Stars this round and did not disappoint. Although it took her some time to really work herself into the game once Maihi found her groove there was no stopping her. Giving away a couple of centimetres to opponent Grace Nweke the talented goal keeper used her hops to contest the ball and run amuck. She mounted a wealth of pressure on the goal shooter with her tenacity and recovery a couple of key characteristics in the way she approached the game.

Maihi often hedged her bets to go out hunting relying on her teammates in either Anna Harrison or Elle Temu to double back and help out in the defensive circle. The Stars defender showcased her closing speed to hunt down the cross-court ball and backed herself time and time again in the air to attack the hands of Nweke. Some of her best work however came when she was steaming out of the goal circle to cherry pick passes in the defensive third to evoke fear in the likes of Peta Toeava and Claire O’Brien.

Although at times it was hard to keep her head up given the wealth of ball that was being pumped in, one thing that stood out was Maihi’s never say die attitude. She adjusted on the fly to the changes around her with Harrison swinging between wing defence and goal defence while also combining well with Temu. Her read of the play also changed when Lisa Mather was injected into the action showcasing Maihi’s class and skill to knuckle down on her opponent and try and combat her prowess.

The light-footed and highly nimble defender impressed with her ability to track back into the circle and pounce credit to her read of the play. One of her best passages of play came when she attacked a pocket ball before darting back into the circle to create a deflection and pick up the crumbs. Maihi’s balance and core strength to reel in ball was second to none while she also showcased her versatility to constantly attack the ball whether it be from behind or in front.

Maihi finished the game with six deflections and four intercepts testament to her read of the play and skillset to drop into the space at the right time. She also only collected six penalties highlighting her cleanliness at the contest to remain in play and mount pressure both on the ball carrier and on Nweke under the post. Her work alongside the goal defence kept Bailey Mes out of the game with the Mystics goal attack only managing three goals and not even putting up a shot in the second half highlighting the ability of Maihi to confuse the space and create a defensive barrier.