WITH the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) season around the corner after a yearlong hiatus due to the COVID-19 enforced cancellation in 2020 Draft Central takes a look at each team, player lists and expectations. Up next is Strathclyde Sirens as we work our way through the teams.

The Sirens retained the majority of their list heading into the 2021 season and will be counting on their forged connections to progress up the ladder this season. Although 2020 was an interrupted season Strathclyde showed some strong form, notching up a couple of crucial wins to get the season started and will want to emulate that same level of intensity to kickstart their 2021 campaign.

2021 expectations/predictions:

Captain Gia Abernethy will once again spearhead the unit with her constant give and go a key characteristic in her game play. She is a cool, calm and collected customer that is able to ply her trade both in defence and attack and while she is not the flashiest midcourter is able to grind out games and get the job done. Claire Maxwell is another player that will be in for a big season through the midcourt, swinging between centre and wing defence and hoping to use her defensive attributes to full effect. Much like the midcourt, the goal circle is also brimming with talent as Lynsey Gallagher and Bethan Goodwin look to once again ply their trade and highlight their effectiveness to post. Gallagher is a versatile attacker that can push out to wing attack when necessary whereas Goodwin does not stray from the goal circle playing both goal shooter and goal attack.

Taking a look down the court it will be up to a number of experienced yet ever-developing players to lead the charge and provide that element of continuity down back with Emily Nicholl a key component. The 180cm defender is somewhat of an experienced figure and will be hoping to assert herself on the competition with her quick thinking. She will be joined by the likes of Taylor Cullen who can bide her time between a number of defensive positions while Sarah MacPhail will be eager to make a splash down back.

Player to watch:

Still at such a young age, Emma Barrie has plenty to give and a lot to learn. The young goal shooter has raw potential and plenty of skill making her a focal point under the post for the Sirens. She is able to score with relative ease and can dictate the flow of the game thanks to her strong holds and aerial prowess to control the airwaves. Boasting clever footwork and plenty of netball smarts Barrie is in for a big season. She is a real lynchpin for the Scotland based side given her body work and height to demand the ball and hold off her defenders time and time again. Steadily growing with confidence, another full season under her belt will provide Barrie with that added level of assurance and composure to think her way through the defensive forays and deliver under the post.

Team list:

Gia Abernethy
Emma Barrie
Taylor Cullen
Bethany Dix
Lynsey Gallagher
Bethan Goodwin
Emma Love
Sarah MacPhail
Claire Maxwell
Niamh McCall
Nicola McCleery
Emily Nicholl
Caitlin Pringle
Helen Taylor