WITH three rounds of Suncorp Super Netball action down and an indicator of form now in place for all eight teams, our Round 4 head to head will delve into an intriguing battle between a couple of Australian Diamonds in Cara Koenen and Sarah Klau. Whilst neither the Lightning or Swifts have any shortage of talent and great matchups, there is no doubt that the battle between Koenen and Klau could be the gamechanger.

Sunshine Coast Lightning vs. NSW Swifts

Cara Koenen (GS) vs. Sarah Klau (GK)

The battle between Koenen and Klau should be a fascinating one, especially given the form both players are in. Klau’s excellent Round 3 effort and combination with Maddy Turner was influential and stopped the Vixens attack in  their tracks, while Koenen’s terrific form was somewhat dulled by Courtney Bruce‘s influence on the match which made it hard for Lightning to fire on all cylinders.

For Koenen, this will be another great chance to show just how much she is capable of. With accuracy, volume and smooth moving to boot, she does virtually have it all and especially up against a less physical player this week, will look to exploit that against Klau. Koenen is a quick thinker with fast feet to match and can change up a game with ease, so will look to utilise her smarts and adaptability to open up and slip into the back space and onto the goal line for her pinpoint perfect goalline drives. Clean and reliable with ball in hand, Koenen uses her strong hold to time her movements to the last second, zipping out from behind her opposition to claim possession and put up shots from where she is most comfortable, close to the post. Her cool, calm and collected demeanour allows her to go through the motions even while under pressure, and she is very rarely overawed in the contest. Koenen’s combination with Steph Wood has developed beautifully over the past few years, with the two working in tandem to continue pushing the scoreline out and with both able to fire from anywhere within the circle, it is safe to say they will look to continue their form.

When it comes to Klau, her modus operandi is simple but effective, shutting down the goal shooter while also creating a buffer for any feeds into the circle. But while her game is simple, her skill is anything but with an excellent read of the play and plenty of speed to back it up, wreaking havoc with her long arms and vision up the court to anticipate the placement of the pass. One thing that sets Klau apart from a lot of other goal keepers is her cleanliness, using her body and footwork to direct her opposition rather than physically whittle them down. Her ability to stay away from the whistle for contact is second to none, while her timing allows her to consistently fly for the intercept and steal the turnover ball in midair without causing a penalty. Her long arms and three foot marking prove difficult to navigate with an excellent reach over the ball and read of the pass-off, while her versatility to also move out to goal defence pays off with her extra height forcing errant passes through the midcourt. Her combination with Turner and Lauren Moore has proved monumental over the past season, with the trio working in tandem and Klau’s leadership from the back really showing in her ability to direct traffic and sight when it come out flying, knowing she is well backed-up by her fellow defenders.

All in all, expect a huge battle between the two players with Koenen’s fancy footwork sure to make Klau’s life hard, however Klau’s ability to adapt and cause errors from the feeders a crucial part of her gameplay. There is very little separating the two sides in second and third with one loss apiece, meaning this should be a tantalising battle all the way down the court.

Picture credit: AAP