IN each round of the ANZ Premiership we will identify one key match-up, provide an in-depth analysis of both players and compare the two styles. This week sees a couple of tall timbers match up under the post making for an enthralling battle.

CENTRAL PULSE v. MAINLAND TACTIX
Kelly Jury (GK) v. Ellie Bird (GS)

The contest between Mainland Tactix goal shooter Ellie Bird and Central Pulse goal keeper Kelly Jury will be exciting to say the least given what is at stake for both sides. In past outings it has been a tight tussle between the two under the post with Bird the main avenue to post for the Tactix thanks to her height and prolific nature while Jury has proven to be one of the best off-season pickups given her seamless transition into the Pulse line-up.

Bird has been in scintillating form as of late thanks to her increased accuracy and volume to post. Sometimes shaky on the shot, Bird has rapidly improved throughout the season and subsequently grown with confidence allowing her Tactix teammates to deliver the ball with precision into her. Standing at 196cm Bird is a commanding prospect under the post and is not afraid of the physicality in the goal circle, often taking it in her stride. The goal shooter plays a traditional holding style of game relying on her height and long arms to reel in ball while her balance is relatively impressive given her height. In recent weeks Bird has added an extra element to her game day performance popping out of the circle to provide that release or outlet pass for the Tactix when the pressure is mounting. In their first season together the connection between Bird and Te Paea Selby-Rickit has been damaging when on song with the two able to rotate through the space seamlessly and Selby-Rickit taking the heat off Bird. The speed through the midcourt of Kimiora Poi and Erikana Pedersen has paid dividends for Bird with the goal shooter relishing the quick release and enabling her to claim front position to score quickly and easily while the defence is still setting up.

There is no denying that Jury has been in ripping form with her increased pressure and hunt for the ball on constant display. Her long arms enables her to gobble up any loose ball that comes her way while her constant movement and clever footwork to manoeuvre around the body of her opponent gives her a wealth of opportunities to create turnovers. Although she might not win each and every ball that comes her way it is her second efforts and never say die attitude that sparks the Pulse defence to keep fighting. The 24-year-old is an exciting prospect that has really come into her own this season with her increased endurance and strong connections with Katrina Rore and Karin Burger. The strength of Rore and Burger allows Jury to roam freely in the defensive third and go out searching for that big intercept. But it is the balance between knowing when to attack and when to sit on her shooter that makes her a damaging player while she also takes full advantage of her height to be a real menace in the air.

There is a lot on the line for both teams with the Tactix hoping to gain an upper hand and second spot on the ladder while the Pulse are eager to get back to their winning ways. Matched for height in the circle it will come down to ball delivery for the Tactix and whether or not Bird can dictate the space with her strong holds to ward off the menacing Jury. For the Pulse it will be up to a combined effort from Jury and Rore if they are to shut down the Tactix shooting sensation and notch up another win.