WITH the South Australia Premier League underway it has gifted the opportunity for a couple of key Adelaide Thunderbirds player to return to netball after being sidelined by injury last year. Entering into Round 6 this weekend the likes of England Roses international Layla Guscoth and youngster Sasha Glasgow have left their mark on the competition racking up some valuable minutes ahead of their potential return to the Suncorp Super Netball stage in the coming weeks.

Down on her usual accuracy it was good to see Glasgow back out on court with the goaler taking full advantage of the front space to be a constant option inside the goal circle. She was confident to shoot from range, which will come in handy when she rejoins the Thunderbirds given the introduction of the super shot. Glasgow spent time out in the goal attack position showcasing her ability to shake up her game play while also floated into her more familiar role of goal shooter in the latter stages of the game. she finished with 19 goals from 30 attempts at a lowly 64 per cent, something she will be hoping to rectify this round.

Thunderbirds training partner Chelsea Blackman was also amongst the names taking the court in the Premier League playing alongside the likes of Glasgow for the Contax. Blackman gave Thunderbirds fans plenty to be excited about with her read of the play to constantly gobble up cross court passes and impressive elevation to get hands to ball on the shot. Her drive through the centre third was also highly impressive able to transition from defence into attack in the blink of an eye. Fellow training partner Charlee Hodges also enjoyed her time on the court for the Contax with the goaler getting a run out in goal attack and showcasing her hot hand to sink 12 goals from 15 attempts. Hodges found her groove from the moment she stepped out on court and will be eager to bring that intensity when she lines up for the Thunderbirds.

Guscoth did not feature in Round 6 but in previous games has showcased her experience, composure, netball smarts and ball winning abilities which will be greatly appreciated when she joins the fold at the T’birds. With Shamera Sterling, Shadine van der Merwe and Kate Shimmin all forces to be reckoned with down back, Guscoth offers that international experience and calming presence to create a sense of stability down back which Adelaide can sometimes lack.