NOW that the ANZ Premiership season has come to a close Draft Central takes a look back at some of the quiet achievers that effectively plied their trade throughout the year. Coming in at number four on the countdown is premiership winning defender Kate Burley.

Crossing from the Northern Stars at the start of the season, Burley did not waste any time finding her feet at her new home with the Northern Mystics. A tried and tested defender that has proven she has the timing and nous to dazzle on court, Burley stepped up to the plate this season and further elevated her court craft. A true competitor with plenty of tricks up her sleeve, Burley was able to dip into them throughout the season and showcase what she is made of time and time again for the Mystics.

The goal defence adapted quickly, with her connection between Sulu Fitzpatrick flourishing and developing each time they stepped out on court. The pair proved incredibly hard to penetrate with their constant pressure and vision allowing them to cherry pick passes. Still only young, Burley grew with confidence and belief throughout the season and looked composed with ball in hand. She was not afraid to hedge her bets and go out hunting but also knew when to double-back on the goal shooter such is her smarts and read of the play. Her long arms played a crucial role in building that perceived pressure for the Mystics, while her transitional work was also impressive combining with the likes of Fa’amu Ioane and Tayla Earle through the midcourt to create a more defensive structure.

Burley showcased her tenacity and creativity to continuously force turnovers whether it be with a rejection on the shot or her quick feet inside the goal circle to stop a sneaky dish off. She was never caught flat-footed, instead was constantly on the move with her desire to win back possession first and foremost. The goal defence impressed with her capacity to flick between a one-on-one style of defence to a more zone style in a heartbeat which helped to alter the Mystics’ defensive structure. Burley showcased her smarts each time she stepped out on court to go out hunting in the centre third with her read of the play and deceptive closing speed. Although not the tallest defender going around, Burley proved she has the skill to disrupt the aerial ball going in with her leap and desperation to get hands to ball.

The premiership defender ended up with an impressive 15 rebounds, 57 deflections, 16 pickups and 12 intercepts. She was a real ball magnet and utilised her turn of speed to inject herself into the thick of things and win ball back. Burley racked up 175 penalties while she only registered seven turnovers throughout the entire season across her 16 games highlighting her longevity.