THE Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season has swung around once again with teams shaping up for an exciting year of netball. Having played through a global pandemic last season, the 2021 campaign will be hoping to restore a bit of normality to the netball world as the eight sides compete for that all-elusive premiership.

Coach: Stacey Marinkovich
Captain: Courtney Bruce
2020 finish: 3rd

The Fever came agonisingly close to that premiership cup last year, but in the end just fell short in the grand final going down to the Melbourne Vixens. Their depth across the court especially in defence paid dividends last season as they were able to build their attack out of defence. It was not smooth sailing for West Coast however, as they lost playmaker and wing attack Ingrid Colyer midway through the season with training partner Emma Cosh stepping up to the plate, despite playing out of position.

2021 predictions/expectations:

It is going to be a trying season for the West Coast Fever who have been handed a 12 point handicap after infringing on their salary cap. But having retained majority of their list for the 2021 season there is still plenty of hope and promise surrounding the side given their netball smarts and scoring calibre. The Fever will also want to send off coach, Stacey Marinkovich in style with her tenure wrapping up at the conclusion of the season as she prepares to go full-time with the Diamonds. With Jhaniele Fowler at the helm in goal shooter and Alice Teague-Neeld coming into her own last season thanks to her new-found confidence on the feed and shot the Fever will be hoping to take that connection to the next level. Newcomer Sasha Glasgow will be hoping to make a splash in her new colours after crossing from Adelaide Thunderbirds. A traditional goal shooter, Glasgow will more than likely spend her time out in goal attack and provide that supplementary support to Fowler. Expect the Fever to make full use of her rangy shooting and smooth movement. The Fever also uncovered a gem in, Cosh with the goaler come midcourter able to use her attacking nous to have a profound impact. Through the midcourt, expect Verity Charles to continue her dominance and to lean on her attacking tendencies to star while further development from Jess Anstiss could further assist the team. Defensively the combination of Stacey Francis and Courtney Bruce is evolving with the pair a real threat in the air and able to cherry pick any cross court passes while Olivia Lewis is another one to keep an eye out for with her deceptively quick closing speed and hunt for the ball paramount.

Key player to watch:

There is no denying that all eyes will turn to Sunday Aryang after a breakout season in 2020. The youngster really took the competition by storm with her read of the play, fancy footwork and overall tenacity. Pair that with her incredible versatility to seamlessly rotate through wing defence, goal defence and goal keeper and she is in good stead for another strong season. With further game time under her belt, Aryang could really develop her level of endurance and ensure that she becomes a player that can impact the game for a full 60 minutes.

Team list:

Jess Anstiss
Sunday Aryang
Courtney Bruce
Verity Charles
Emma Cosh
Jhaniele Fowler
Stacey Francis
Sasha Glasgow
Olivia Lewis
Alice Teague-Neeld

Picture credit: Bradley Kanaris