FAILING to register court time in the Swift’s outing against West Coast Fever in their semi-final over the weekend, there is plenty of speculation surrounding where England Roses midcourter Natalie Haythornthwaite will end up in 2021. Currently uncontracted for next season, the specialist wing attack has plenty of options and clubs she could ply her trade at if she decides to move on from the Swifts. With Maddy Proud returning from her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury this season and Paige Hadley and Tayla Fraser options through the midcourt, Haythornthwaite has had limited court time often rotating through the position with the aforementioned players. Keeping this in mind, it is plausible to think the international talent might have her sights set on something more permanent heading into the 2021 netball calendar year.

Leeds Rhinos Netball

A potential return home could be an option for Haythornthwaite who could be looking to secure more regular court time. With the new franchise established in the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) and the Rhinos list still coming together, the allure of a one-way ticket home and consistent court time could be the way to go for the wing attack. Haythornthwaite would bring plenty of excitement and control to the Rhinos and knows the level of intensity having played there before heading out to the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) competition. If she was to join forces with the Rhinos she would be playing alongside the likes of Jade Clarke. The centre/wing defence is renowned for her never say die attitude and more defensive style which would play nicely into the hands of Haythornthwaite who has a very attacking mindset and is not afraid to take charge when need be to put on the afterburners and command the ball in the attacking third to dictate play.

Adelaide Thunderbirds

With former co-captain Chelsea Pitman not offered a contract for 2021, the like-for-like Haythornthwaite could be an ideal candidate to slot into the hole left. Boasting plenty of international experience, composure with ball in hand and an innate ability to find circle edge the England Roses star could be the key link the side needs to take the next step in 2021 and progress up the ladder. She is a real leader in the attack end, offering consistency and stability to guide her side with her patient and cautious attack down the court. Haythornthwaite already has a link to head coach Tania Obst, given her work with the Roses program along with players such as Layla Guscoth and Kate Shimmin if they both decide to re-sign. The wing attack could be a handy option and play a similar mentoring role to the likes of youngster Georgie Horjus if she continues on next season. Her impressive timing and strong hands is a focal of her game play something the Thunderbirds would relish in the attacking third to really balance them

GIANTS Netball

After somewhat of a disappointing season the GIANTS could be looking to bolster their stocks for 2021 when it comes to that wing attack position. Although Maddie Hay has played a solid role, able to find circle edge and feed the ball into the shooters with ease, she lacks that next level of class in which Haythornthwaite has, making her a potential option come the off-season. Despite it looking like Kiera Austin would be a shoe-in for the starting wing attack position, she has found herself more regularly in at goal attack meaning the bibs had to be shuffled around in 2020. Therefore the inclusion of Haythornthwaite would give the GIANTS that extra bit of versatility and dominance around circle edge pairing up with the likes of Jamie-Lee Price who boast more defensive attributes thanks to her wing defence background. Haythornthwaite already has a forged connection with Roses teammate Jo Harten which would be another bonus, given their ability to link up with ease, understanding under the post and confidence to deliver risky passes.

West Coast Fever

With Ingrid Colyer going down with an ACL injury earlier in the year and more than likely unable to return until the latter half of the 2021 season, the Fever could be on the lookout for a readymade wing attack. Although Emma Cosh has stood up to the task, having an experienced midcourter in Haythornthwaite could give them that extra push and make them even more damaging. Although Verity Charles has proven to be a threat in wing attack, it is fair to say she does some of her best work in centre and the acquisition of Hayhthornthwaite would allow that game play to continue. The England international is cool, calm and collected and most importantly has a high netball IQ meaning she can release balls with ease into the towering Jhaniele Fowler. She is accustomed to the aerial style game having played with Sam Wallace the past few season, albeit Wallace is shorter than Fowler, but the ball delivery is similar, making her a strong candidate.