WITH the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season done and dusted Draft Central takes a look back at the year that was for each team, where they went wrong, improvements and hopes for the 2021 season. It has been an unconventional season to say the least with a condensed season, rolling subs, introduction of the super shot, extended benches and of course the Queensland hub making for an action packed year of netball. Despite finishing second on the ladder, two-time premiers Sunshine Coast Lightning were relegated to third after being knocked out in the preliminary final for the first time in SSN history.

Ladder: 3^rd
Win-loss: 9-0-5
Percentage: 99.64%

Overview:
Finishing second on the ladder, Lightning were lucky enough to secure a double chance in finals, however were bundled out in straight sets, putting a dampener on their season. With the club under the reins of a new coach, Kylee Byrne did not take long to secure her first win of the season – but the condensed fixture did not play into the hands of the Lightning, who seemed a tad lethargic compared to previous seasons. In saying that, Sunshine Coast were still a force to be reckoned with, with their slick ball movement often catching teams off-guard while a couple of players took the next step in their career.

Recent retiree Laura Langman was her consistent self, running hard both in offence and defence to create opportunities aplenty for the Lightning. Her hands over pressure and hunt for the ball often led to turnovers while Maddy McAuliffe and Jacqui Russell often backed up her hard work in wing defence. Karla Pretorius showed glimpses of her best form but seemed somewhat off the pace, unable to inflict her typical defensive dominance. In saying that, her attack on the ball and ability to do the unthinkable still came to fruition but on a lesser scale than we have become so accustomed to. Up the other end, pocket rocket Laura Scherian was down on her usual intensity but showcased moments of magic with her drive, hot hand on the feed and dynamic movement carving up opposition teams. Goal attack Steph Wood proved to be the go-to girl especially when it came to the super shot given her impressive accuracy from range and composure to stand up to pressure. She was a real playmaker out the front often initiating the attacking forays with her vision and spatial awareness while Peace Proscovia was a real impact player for the Lightning, able to come on and use her strength to keep opponents out of the contest and drag down the rebounds under the post.

Shining light:
Increased court time and added confidence worked wonders for goaler Cara Koenen who quickly became a lynchpin under the post for the Lightning. The smooth moving goal shooter proved she is not a one trick pony dipping into her bag of tricks to showcase her baseline drives, dodges and strong holds to keep defenders guessing. Her accuracy was another focal point of her gameplay, able to put up a wealth of shots and most importantly convert. Koenen starred with her fancy footwork and innate timing to pop out and command the ball time and time again. Although accustomed to the goal shooter position the 24-year-old proved she is more than capable of pulling on the goal attack bib credit to her high endurance, netball smarts and skill to cover the court with great ease. Her partnership with Wood was also key to the Lightning’s success with their shooter-to-shooter interplay eye-catching and hard to stop given Koenen’s creative positioning and long arms to reel passes in.

Biggest improver:
With no newcomers to the squad in 2020, Draft Central takes a look at one of the biggest improvers in the Lightning outfit. A renowned international defender, Phumza Maweni elevated her game this season with her ability to stay in the contest and increased cleanliness taking centre stage. Maweni showcased her aerial prowess despite giving away centimetres to some of the towering goal shooters and relied on her improved footwork to dance around the body of her opponents. Her reach over the shot and read of the play also developed, backing herself to create timely tips and deflections while her follow up work was also impressive.

Prediction:
A huge hole has been left with Langman announcing her retirement, with the Silver Ferns midcourter’s experience and composure paramount to the Lightning side throughout their tenure. However there is no shortage of talent in the Lightning camp, with Koenen selected in the Diamonds and with plenty of development still left in her.