ROUND 8 of the ANZ Premiership is done and dusted and with that came some scintillating performances from the next generation of players. This series will cast an eye over a host of under 21s players that made their way out on court and the impact they had for their respective sides.

Northern Mystics:

Grace Nweke

It was another impressive day at the office for Nweke with the goal shooter nailing 60 goals from her 64 attempts. The goal shooter was consistent, composed and clever with ball in hand to continuously keep the scoreboard ticking over. Her increased versatility to take both the high ball and the short sharp bullet pass came to the fore throughout this clash while her fancy footwork and balance along the goal-line was crucial. Nweke was a commanding presence from the opening minute of the game and did not let up constantly re-positioning inside the circle and using her leap to reel in ball despite the physical pressure coming from Oceane Maihi. Her ability to stand tall and clearly indicate the space allowed the Mystics to own the attacking third and she was hardly ever beaten in the one-on-one under the post.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic:

Georgie Edgecombe

Although she did not get a wealth of court time, when injected into the action Edgecombe made an impact. Her defensive pressure in wing defence was impressive wearing down her opponent credit to her fresh legs and read of the play. Edgecombe backed herself in the contest to close down the space and apply strong hands over pressure to create held balls and get in the head of her opponent. Another key element of her play was her attacking mindset, getting up nice and high to help on transition and allow for the reset.

Central Pulse:

Maddy Gordon

It was good to see Gordon playing back in her breakout position of wing attack with the youngster looking much more at home in the attacking third. With speed to burn and an explosive connection with Aliyah Dunn she was able to feed the ball in with great ease and help keep the scoreboard ticking over. Oozing speed off the mark and a real aerial presence despite being on the shorter side, Gordon was a real energiser bunny and fed off the intensity of the crowd and her side. Gordon used her drive and quick 1-2 punch to the top of the circle to keep the defenders at bay and deliver pinpoint passes into the circle.

Paris Lokotui

Getting the start in wing defence, Lokotui went about her business in a cool, calm and collected manner. She did not do anything flashy and while she did not play the full four quarters showcased plenty of grit and determination. She was strong both in defence and attack to press hard in transition and sit up nice and high on the transverse line. Lokotui was not afraid to let the ball go and just back herself while her strong three-foot marking was another key characteristic.

Southern Steel:

Tiana Metuarau

It was one of Metuarau’s best games so far this season with the goal attack showcasing her crafty court play. Although not overly prolific on the scoreboard, she sensed the moment when to work the ball around and when to back herself from range. Metuarau oozes composure and wisdom beyond her years to really control the tempo of the game. Add in her overall netball smarts and she is shaping to be a real threat for opposition teams. The goal attack was at her damaging best dishing off pinpoint perfect passes into George Fisher while her fancy footwork to pivot on one foot was second to none. Metuarau received just about every second pass to weave the ball into the circle and showcased her versatility on the pass to either bomb it long or use her short sharp passes to deliver into Fisher.

Taneisha Fifita

The goal keeper continues to grow in confidence and stature week in, week out and this round was no different. Tasked with Australian superstar, Caitlin Bassett, Fifita backed herself in taking advantage of her aerial skills and leap to contest the hands of Bassett. Renowned for her niggle under the post, Fifita found the right mix to stay away from a wealth of whistle but did enough to negate the class of Bassett. The youngster was not afraid to go out hunting for the ball utilising her closing speed to shut down options in the defensive third and then win ball back. She was never far from the contest and while she gave away a couple of penalties her recovery was exceptional. Her contest for the rebound was second to none while her body work to force Bassett along the baseline or up high was also imperative in the Steel’s narrow win.

Kate Heffernan

Heffernan continues to go along her merry way playing both centre and wing defence. Her transition between the two was seamless testament to the high quality athlete that she is. With endurance to boot and closing speed the fancy footed midcourter was able to have a consistent impact from go-to-woe. Both she and Sam Winders cancelled each other out at times credit to their similar playing styles and physicality, and Heffernan worked in overdrive to get free in transition. More of a defensively minded player, Heffernan was able to ply her trade coming flying through to cause tips and deflections time and time again to win ball back for the Steel and propel them forward in a blink of an eye. The move to wing defence was clever as she was able to employ her strong three-foot marking and make life hard for the Magic who were rallying later in the game. She proved to have a hot hand on the feed, releasing both from circle edge or down town such was the confidence on the pass. However she will need to tidy up receiving a warning in the dying minutes of the game and subsequently being moved to the bench to reduce the chance of her being sent off.

Renee Savai’inaea

Somewhat of an unsung hero for her side, Savai’inaea went about her business in a clinical and methodical way. Not known to be particularly flashy, Savai’inaea just played her role out in wing defence and then in centre for a quarter to give another element to the Steel and provide a calm head and consistent figure. With deceptive closing speed and good vision, the midcourter was able to win ball back and then send it back down the other end of the court in a heartbeat.