ANOTHER round of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) action is upon us and this week sees some exciting match-ups across the board. The battle we will cast an eye over is that of Adelaide Thunderbirds goal shooter Lenize Potgieter and Melbourne Vixens defender Kadie-Ann Dehaney with the two internationals pillars for their respective sides.

Melbourne Vixens vs. Adelaide Thunderbirds

Kadie-Ann Dehaney (GK) vs. Lenize Potgieter (GS)

With Emily Mannix sidelined with a fractured knuckle, it is an opportunity for Jamaican import and Melbourne Vixens fan-favourite Kadie-Ann Dehaney to step up to the plate. She has relished the additional court time but will have her work cut out for against the quick-footed Potgieter who has proven to be lethal to post when afforded enough time and space. The Thunderbirds are on the hunt for their first win of 2021 while the Vixens will be hoping to go back-to-back making the contest between the two bookends an enthralling one to say the least as it could dictate the outcome of the game.

Dehaney is an aerial threat with her leap and added centimetres sure to deter the Thunderbirds feeders from releasing the long ball into Potgieter under the post. but it would be remiss to think that Dehaney can only contest on the high ball with her long limbs and clever footwork enabling her to manoeuvre around her opponent and win ball back. The goal keeper is getting better and growing with confidence every time she steps out on court and will be eager to keep that going in this clash. Dehaney has proven time and time again that she can step up to the plate in the do-or-die situations as shown through her game winning tip against the Firebirds. The most impressive element of Dehaney’s work is her recovery able to compete in the air and then get down low moments later to get a hand in and disrupt the play while her read of the play enables her to dart out of the goal circle and evoke fear in the attackers. Her connection with Jo Weston and Kate Eddy is also crucial as she is able to feed off their energy and create turnovers for her teammates to mop up.

The Adelaide Thunderbirds goal shooter is yet to capture her best form and is still a step off the pace but is steadily building. Last week her frustrations got the better of her and the South African will be looking to rectify her short-comings. Although she did not have a poor performance she will be hoping to put out a more rounded match and help out in transitional defence with her hands over pressure. Boasting a high netball IQ and skills to boot, Potgieter can be a real menace when given the opportunity. She is able to score quickly and is an expert at dropping into the backspace to reel in the looping pass. Her clever body positioning and silky movement enables her to consistently be a threat and keep her opposition busy. Potgieter is most dominant when directly under the post and able to plant her foot close to the post and her connection with Georgie Horjus allows her natural flair and game plan to come to the fore. Potgieter will need constant support from the Thunderbirds midcourters in Hannah Petty and Maisie Nankivell to ensure she can claim prime real estate under the post and spur her side on in attack.

It is going to be an intriguing battle between the two internationals who boast a wealth of experience both at SSN level and on the world stage. Dehaney has the height over Potgieter and will be able to impact the play if the Thunderbirds persist with high loopy passes however Potgieter has the quick footwork and change of direction which could spell trouble for the Vixens defender. It will ultimately come down to which player is able to outsmart the other and use their attributes to full effect. Potgieter will be hoping to fire off her shot before letting Dehaney get hands up over the shot which will help the Thunderbirds mount some serious scoreboard pressure while Dehaney will be hoping to disrupt the play and ball from even getting to Potgieter given her accuracy to post by going out hunting.

Photo credit: Graham Denholm