IT has been a big year of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) that saw a host of new faces enter the league. While many may have been elevated training partners due to the extended bench there are a couple of players who made their long-awaited SSN debut with one boasting international experience. Draft Central has composed a countdown of the Top 15 SSN debutants for 2020, with Melbourne Vixens training partner Allie Smith coming in at number eight.

A zippy, versatile and agile midcourter, Smith is a player that the Vixens utilised well in the latter stages of 2020, with the youngster proving she is more than capable of stepping up to the plate when required. With plenty of hunt both on and off the ball and great game smarts, the 20-year-old showcased her ability to demand ball and really cause a stir on court, with proven versatility as a junior – able to rotate through both midcourt and defence – allowing Smith to not only apply plenty of hands over pressure but also transition well through the midcourt. 

While Smith spent much of her time on the bench across the first half of the season, she proved to be an effective impact player throughout the latter stages especially when Emily Mannix was out with injury, and proved her determination racking up the stats when she did take the court, rarely leaving any stone unturned. Smith made appearances in six games throughout the season, and while her exciting debut showcased plenty of exciting traits it was her ability to step up in finals that really proved her wares, stepping in for the injured Kate Eddy during the major semi-final and then maintaining pressure in the final four minutes of the grand final when Eddy came off, proving not only her ability to impact a match but also the coaching staff’s confidence in her ability to absorb the pressure and perform regardless of the circumstances.

Throughout her six appearances, Smith piled on the defensive pressure and consistently provided a transitional option down court from out in wing defence. With a great endurance base and sharp reflexes, Smith could put on the afterburners to create a turnover within a split second, racking up seven deflections and four intercepts throughout the season. While she also had seven turnovers to her name, Smith is still young and given her relative inexperience on the SSN stages, deserves full credit for the times she was able to utilise her defensive tendencies to be a formidable option down back for the Vixens, and rarely looked out of place on court with her professionalism exceptional, getting down to business immediately.

With a lithe build at 180cm, Smith is a classy mover and her long arms contributed plenty of pressure across the Vixens defensive unit, working well in tandem on circle edge with Jo Weston, Eddy and Mannix and also able to use her vision to spot Mwai Kumwenda home alone in the goal circle, picking up a couple of goal assists such is her confidence and excellent wind-up on the pass. Her ability to work with Kate Moloney and Liz Watson was also terrific, consistently providing a backup through the midcourt and on the transverse line.