ROUND 9 of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) sees Queensland Firebirds and GIANTS Netball fight it out at John Cain Arena in Melbourne with both sides forced to relocate due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. But that will not put a stop to a quality game with two Australian Diamonds in Gretel Bueta and April Brandley going head-to-head for their respective sides.

Queensland Firebirds vs. GIANTS Netball
Gretel Bueta (GA) vs. April Brandley (GD)

There is no denying that the two players know each other’s games extremely well having spent time in the Diamonds together, and making for an exciting match-up. Both players are on the return after giving birth and have not skipped a beat with Brandley arguably in career best form while Bueta is only getting better each round.

Bueta is one of the most dynamic players in the competition with her natural flair and athleticism on show day in, day out. She is a real playmaker for the Firebirds, able to light up the court with her quick change of direction and vision to deliver pinpoint passes into partner in crime Romelda Aiken. The two have an unstoppable connection when it is up and firing, able to weave through the defence with great ease credit to their speed and aerial play. Bueta does her best work out in goal attack but is also more than capable of holding her own in goal shooter thanks to her added height. The talented goaler is often a barometer for her side with her drive at the centre pass and speed to dart into the circle often catching defenders off guard. There is no denying that Bueta has some pretty fancy footwork able to leap forward and shoot all in one motion such is her skill. Bueta has a great connection with Kim Ravaillion which she will be hoping to exploit in this match to inch closer to the post and open up the attacking third as a whole.

It is fair to say that the Brandley has come back with a real vengeance in season 2021 with the goal defence unlocking a whole new level. Not previously known for her speed, the goal defence has added that to her repertoire, able to shut down the space in an instant and get hands to ball time and time again. Her cleanliness has been another prominent aspect in her game, able to contest the ball and avoid the eye of the umpire. Brandley has frequently showcased her netball smarts and read of the play to quickly drop back into the space or create a turnover credit to her presence. She is able to play both a niggling and negating role and can also be a hunter, able to pick off intercepts with ease. Her combination with Sam Poolman and Kristiana Manu’a is developing at a rate of knots as the trio are able to create a wall in defence to cherry pick passes coming into the circle. Brandley is not only a force in defence but so too through transition able to carry the ball through the midcourt and create attacking forays.

Bueta has the extra height on Brandley but has had moments of inconsistency throughout the season which is something Brandley will be hoping to capitalise on. The GIANTS defender will be hoping to get into Bueta’s head nice and early and shut down her space to force her into making errors which she can then swoop in and take advantage of. It will need to be a team effort from the GIANTS to quell the influence of Bueta given she can take on the role of a wing attack with her feeds into Aiken. If Bueta is able to play with space and freedom to enter the circle unmarked or create plays around circle edge it will go a long way in giving the Firebirds the upper hand.

Photo credit: Nigel Owen/Action Plus