ROUND 11 of the Suncorp Super Netball rolls around with state rivalries at stake as the battle between the Sunshine Coast Lightning and Queensland Firebirds set to draw plenty of attention. The Lightning currently hold onto second spot on the ladder while the Firebirds are loitering in fifth, and all eyes will turn to the battle in the circle between Cara Koenen and Tara Hinchliffe.

Sunshine Coast Lightning vs. Queensland Firebirds
Cara Koenen (GS) vs. Tara Hinchliffe (GK)

The tussle under the post between Koenen and Hinchliffe is set to draw plenty of attention. Not overly comfortable with a wealth of physical pressure it will be intriguing to see how the Lightning goal shooter copes with the constant niggle from Hinchliffe.

There is no denying that Koenen is hitting her straps at the right part of the season, with the goal shooter putting out one of her best performances to-date last round. Her overall movement, smarts and composure allowed her to reign supreme and will need to bring that temperament into this clash. Koenen has impressed with her ability to hold the front space and then keep the defenders at bay with her strength and footwork. There is no denying that her bread and butter is along the goal-line given just how quickly and sneakily she is able to navigate her way around and command the ball. Koenen can play both a holding goal shooter role or can get on the move depending on what the side needs which gives the Lightning great flexibility in the front half. Most importantly the goal shooter is accurate to post and is always able to work her way into the contest credit to her high netball IQ. Koenen can also move out into goal attack to provide a different target and is not often overwhelmed by the occasion, instead she knuckles down and reaches into her bag of tricks to create space in attack. Her partnership with Steph Wood is another prominent aspect with the pair able to carve up the opposition defence with their speed on the pass and innate timing.

Although she does not receive a wealth of accolades for the work she does, Hinchliffe is a consistent figure for the Firebirds down in the defensive circle. She is able to burrow in and really antagonise her opposition shooter with her niggling style of play and persistent hustle. Hinchliffe loves to go up for the rebound and often uses her three-foot marking to create doubt over the shot thanks to her long reach. She is not afraid to attack the pocket ball and uses her long arms to wreak havoc time and time again such is her go-get it mentality. Her partnership with Kim Jenner has blossomed this season with the duo able to rotate the defensive structure in the circle and win ball back. Hinchliffe has really good footwork that allows her to manoeuvre around the body of her opposition and contest cleanly. The goal keeper has developed at a rate of knots this season and is more than capable of holding her own in one-on-one battles. She is deceptively quick and is not afraid to hedge her bets when deciding to go out hunting for an intercept. Although at times she can get caught up on the body, Hinchliffe has the smarts to adjust her game play to ensure she can have a profound impact for the full 60 minutes with her read of the play and anticipation allowing her to create deflections aplenty. Her connection with both Gabi Simpson and Kim Ravaillion also allows her to help out in transition and play an integral role down in defence as the Firebirds can create a defensive wall.

Koenen is a real lynchpin for the Lightning and they need her up and about if they are any chance of beating the Firebirds. She is a smooth mover that can cleverly and cleanly move her way around the circle but does some of best work from directly under the post. Therefore for the Firebirds to cause an upset and create some real carnage, Hinchliffe will have to work in overdrive to push Koenen up nice and high in the circle and not allow her the backspace to drop into which she is so strong at. Hinchliffe will need a couple of early wins to get in the head of Koenen and mount that pressure to force held balls and uncharacteristic turnovers.

Photo credit: Jonathan DiMaggio