THERE was no shortage of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) action in Round 4 with the Queensland Firebirds falling to Collingwood Magpies and the GIANTS keeping their unbeaten streak alive. In this new series, Draft Central will look at five key learnings from the round whether it be consistent themes or standout performances.

Defensive masterclass

The battle between NSW Swifts and Sunshine Coast Lightning was nothing short of impressive as the two sides went tooth and nail to secure the win. Renowned for their attacking prowess this game turned into a defensive slog with players picking up intercepts aplenty. It was a vintage performance from Karla Pretorius with the Lightning goal defence getting her hands to just about everything that came her way recording five intercepts and seven gains. Partner in crime, Phumza Maweni also came away with plenty of intercepts picking up three for her efforts and also managed five deflections. For the Swifts the defensive duo in Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner were in just about everything as they combined for 11 gains and 14 deflections. but it was not only the defenders that got their hands dirty as Cara Koenen picked up an intercept down in goal shooter and midcourter Paige Hadley got busy with two attesting to the highly defensive mindset both sides went into the game with.

Inconsistency in attack cost the Firebirds

Renowned for their potent attack line, the Queensland Firebirds really struggled to get going against Collingwood Magpies. In all fairness it was a strong showing from both Geva Mentor and Jodi-Ann Ward as the partnership between the two continues to develop at a rate of knots and they caused havoc for the normally sound Firebirds attack. Gretel Bueta was off her game with the goal attack forced into uncharacteristic turnovers, rushed shots and a wealth of misses while Tippah Dwan was unable to find her radar. Although Romelda Aiken was in dominant form she only took the court for 41 minutes as Queensland endeavoured to eat into their ever-growing deficit. All in all the Firebirds lack of potency and fluidity cost them and proved just how imperative it is to have all cylinders firing at the same time to steal a win in season 2021.

Thunderbirds defensive unit is a shining light

The acquisition of Matilda Garrett has been sublime so far for the Adelaide Thunderbirds and that developing partnership with Shamera Sterling really came to the fore in their clash against West Coast Fever. Spending majority of her time, second fiddle at Collingwood, Garrett has been a revelation for the Tbirds with her tenacity and deceptive speed causing all sorts of headaches down back. However the most important thing over the past few games has been Garrett’s confidence to attack the ball and back herself in. registering more court time the goal defence has been able to work her way into the game and adapt her game style on the fly to suit her defensive partner in Sterling. That was evident throughout this clash as the two got plenty of hands to ball while the flexibility to have the likes of Shadine van der Merwe and Latanya Wilson rotate through that wing defence position allowed the circle defenders to ply their trade against Jhaniele Fowler.

April Brandley is back

It was another stellar performance by April Brandley with the goal defence plying her trade and proving to be a real menace down in defence for the GIANTS. Despite Kristiana Manu’a being named in the 10 player squad for the first time in 2021 it was Brandley that got the start and impressed from the get-go. Her closing speed and finesse shone through as she cleanly competed for ball against the likes of Kaylia Stanton, Mwai Kumwenda and Ruby Barkmeyer. Her strength both inside the circle and vision to read the play in the midcourt was second to none as she consistently bobbed up here there and everywhere. Brandley’s class and skill to adapt on the fly was evident as she rolled with the Melbourne Vixens’ structural changes and continued her merry way credit to her hands over pressure and silky movement.

Glasgow the winning link for Fever

Down at quarter time, the Fever needed a change in attack and recruit Sasha Glasgow was exactly the spark they needed. The former Adelaide Thunderbirds goaler, came on with a real point to prove and used her strong hands and clever footwork to create space both inside the circle and out the front. Her ability to dish off to Fowler under the post was second to none while her confidence to go to post was also imperative as it drew the eye of the defender. Glasgow combined seamlessly with both Verity Charles and Jess Anstiss out the front to weave the ball down the court and create some much needed stability in the attacking unit.

Photo credit: AAP