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. The final team under the microscope is Wasps Netball who have tasted their fair share of success since their inception in the league.

Wasps are a formidable force in the VNSL having made it to the grand final in 2019 and even though they fell short showcased their netball prowess throughout the entire season. Retaining majority of their squad once more, the Wasps will be hoping to once again be close to the top and impress in season 2021.

2021 expectations/predictions:

Signing with new club Leeds Rhinos, Jade Clarke will be a significant loss for the Wasps this season given her dominance through the midcourt and defensive tendencies. Clarke was a key cog through the midcourt often providing that link from attack to defence meaning it will be up to Amy Flanagan and Leah Goss to fill the void. In the attacking sense the reins will fall to players such as Iona Christian and of course, Sophia Candappa. The Wasps captain boasts experience, impressive two-way running and a calming nature that allows the players around her to reposition and get into damaging spots on the court, a feat they will be hoping to replicate again this season.

Under the post it is hard to go past the likes of Rachel Dunn with the talented goal shooter able to single-handily change the course of a game thanks to her proficiency and movement. With accuracy, an impressive baseline drive and hold, Dunn is as damaging as they come thanks to her composure and netball nous. She will once again partner up with the likes of Katie Harris while all eyes will turn to newcomer and Jamaican goaler Gezelle Allison. An unknown quantity who holds raw potential and excitement, Allison is one of those players that could add another dimension to the Wasps’ frontend and provide that aspect of unpredictability. Renowned for her athleticism and brute strength Allison will be eager to make a name for herself alongside the spearhead in Dunn.

Player to watch:

Now one of the more experienced figures in the side, Fran Williams will be the lynchpin in defence and will be expected to guide the side throughout their campaign. She is not afraid to back herself in the contest, using her read of the play and impressive timing to take big intercepts and create a strong wall in defence. Williams oozes an element of consistency and although she might not be the flashiest player it is her dogged style of defence that wins her plenty of ball. Quick on her feet and able to implement a strong three-foot guard, Williams is a commanding presence down back working with Josie Huckle and recruit Ella Powell-Davies to repel the ball back down the court and stop the opposition in its tracks.

Team list:

Gezelle Allison
Sophia Candappa
Lily-May Catling
Iona Christian
Rachel Dunn
Amy Flanagan
Leah Goss
Katie Harris
Ally Housley
Josie Huckle
Ruth Hughes
Hannah Leighton
Ella Powell-Davies
Megan Thorne
Fran Williams