SUNCORP Super Netball (SSN) entered the second week of Indigenous Round and the four matches brought plenty of exciting results as Adelaide Thunderbirds notched up their first win and West Coast Fever made it six from six. In this new series, Draft Central will look at five key learnings from the round whether it be consistent themes or standout performances.

Tara Hinchliffe is here to play

Queensland Firebirds goal keeper, Tara Hinchliffe came out with a real pep in her step asserting herself on the contest time and time again. She set the tone nice and early for the Firebirds and was a key reason why her side won using her closing speed and tenacity to win ball back time and time again. Hinchliffe has elevated her game to a whole other level in season 2021 and this game was a testament to this growth able to cleanly compete for the ball and showcasing her smarts to either go out hunting or double-down on Cara Koenen to get in her head nice and early. Her arms over pressure, constant movement and slick connection with Kim Jenner was undeniable as the unit worked together as one to shut down any easy attacking forays for the Lightning and subsequently lead the way for the Firebirds.

West Coast Fever are clinical across the court

The Fever continue to get better and better with time and this game was no different. It was a clinical performance against the Magpies with West Coast able to empty their bench and let everyone have a fun and not skip a beat. The two bookends in Jhaniele Fowler and Courtney Bruce were at their damaging best causing all sorts of trouble for the Magpies but it was the ability for the rest of the team to step up to the plate and carry the load that was the most impressive part. The level of depth the Fever have is second to none with Alice Teague-Neeld and Sasha Glasgow able to shoulder the load in the final term while Olivia Lewis also proved her wares. There is not a section of the court in which the Fever are lacking with the side able to work together as a cohesive unit and wear down opposition teams to produce dominant wins.

Swifts are better with Proud

There is no denying that the inclusion of Maddy Proud lifted the side not only on the court but so too in morale. The captain is a real energiser bunny that is able to have an impact both in attack and defence and that level of enthusiasm was on full show throughout the game against the GIANTS. Proud connected seamlessly with Paige Hadley in wing defence and linked up nicely with both Nat Haythornthwaite and Tayla Fraser in wing attack. It was the centre’s ability to compete for a full four quarters that really stood head and shoulders above the rest with the star midcourter able to absorb the physicality and continue her merry way. Proud was a commanding force around circle edge as her confidence to deliver the ball into the circle and speed through transition spurred the Swifts on time and time again. although the Swifts have a plethora of midcourt options it is fair to say that they look the most comfortable and damaging when she is at the helm.

Thunderbirds find winning form

It was a long time coming but the Adelaide Thunderbirds finally got their first win on the board in season 2021. The Thunderbirds were tested from the opening minute against the Melbourne Vixens and it was not until the final term that Adelaide were able to find their groove and really exploit the attacking end of the Vixens. The defensive combination of Shamera Sterling and Matilda Garrett was on fire with the duo finding a wealth of ball and using their hands over pressure to get in the heads of the Vixens. The injection of Latanya Wilson also paid dividends with the Jamaican wing defence using her closing speed, tenacity and read of the play to disrupt the Vixens’ flow and combine nicely with Sterling and Garrett down back. The Thunderbirds were really able to build off the momentum from the defensive end and translate their wins into goals to give them the winning score.

Defensive minded centres dominated

One thing that well and truly stood out this round was the craft and dominance of the defensive minded centre for example Jamie-Lee Price for the GIANTS, Kim Ravaillion for the Firebirds and Ash Brazill for the Magpies. All three players are renowned for their high level of endurance and defensive tendencies which were on full display across Round 6 as the trio impacted the play for their respective sides. Price was a real workhorse for the GIANTS with her constant pressure while Ravaillion showcased her class to pick up an intercept and nullify her opponent eventually forcing Mahalia Cassidy to the bench such was her dominance. Brazill was her usual commanding self, imposing herself around circle edge and also walking away with three intercepts.

Photo credit: AAP Image/James Gourley