IN each round of Suncorp Super Netball we will identify key match-ups, provide an analysis of players and compare the two styles. This week’s head to head focuses on a couple of centres, one who has international experience in Jamie-Lee Price and the other a young up and coming midcourter in Hannah Petty, who has helped lead the way for her side this season.

ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS v. GIANTS NETBALL
Hannah Petty (C) v. Jamie-Lee Price (C)

Two extremely competitive and strong athletes are set to go head to head in the final game of Round 12 in the form of Thunderbirds co-captain Petty and GIANTS youngster Price. Both centres boast a more defensive style of play, making for an enticing match-up as the duo are real barometers for their respective sides.

Petty has missed a couple of rounds this season through concussion however that has not stopped the dogged centre, who is renowned for contesting each and every pass. Petty is no easy beat through the middle, able to effectively ply her trade both in defence and attack. she is incredibly strong on the take and around circle edge to consistently claim prime feeding position. Petty is not afraid to look long and over the mess to deliver directly into the likes of Lenize Potgieter under the post. the centre works seamlessly with fellow co-captain Chelsea Pitman with the duo balancing the circle extremely well to give their shooters plenty of options. Effective in the front half, some of Petty’s best work comes in defence with the midcourter able to get hands to ball credit to her read of the play and speed off the mark. She is a key link through the centre court syncing the defensive unit to the attacking half with her drive and vision. Her adaptability to alter her game play to suit her teammates around her whether it be Maisie Nankivell, Shadine van der Merwe or Tayla Williams is a credit to her high netball IQ.

For the GIANTS Price has been as consistent as they come in season 2020 with her gut running frequently on show. In what has been a relatively up and down season, Price has provided a sense of composure and stability through the centre third, not often getting overrun or outworked, instead often flying under the radar such is her consistency. She is a menace in defence leaning on her offensive tendencies to force timely tips or intercepts especially around circle edge. The centre is extremely strong, able to outmuscle her opponents and keep them guessing given her closing speed and deceptively rangy arms while her work in attack has improved tenfold given the constant changes in the front half for the GIANTS. Her connection with Amy Parmenter is solid through the centre court while her one-two play with Jo Harten is also impressive. Price has a bullet pass on her, able to slice through congestion and defenders and can create plenty of space whether it be for Harten, Kiera Austin or Caitlin Bassett in the attacking third.

Both players are renowned for their inability to take a backwards step, consistently hustling for any loose ball and covering the court with great ease. It will ultimately come down to which player can treasure possession and lower their eyes to find a target rather than bomb it long and hope for the best. They are evenly poised when it comes to speed however Price does have a slight edge when it comes standing up in big matches, which this one is given their finals chances relies on securing a win.

Other key match-ups for Round 12 include the battle between Melbourne Vixens goal shooter Mwai Kumwenda and Magpies’ defender Geva Mentor while the top four clash between West Coast and Swifts sees the potential for England Roses teammates Stacey Francis and Helen Housby battle it out for their respective sides. The other game of the round will also see a contest between the in-form Romelda Aiken and Phumza Maweni along with a couple of young guns in Cara Koenen and Tara Hinchliffe. Round 13 welcomes the battle between a couple of international stars in Jodi-Ann Ward and Steph Wood while West Coast Fever’s Courtney Bruce is likely to line-up on Harten. A goal circle battle between Shamera Sterling and Swifts’ Sam Wallace will set tongues wagging while the final game of the round sees Gabi Simpson and Liz Watson go head to head.