AS the Suncorp Super Netball lists start to shape up for the 2021 season, one big question that comes to mind when thinking of the Adelaide Thunderbirds is: who will fill the defensive hole left by Layla Guscoth’s departure? A constant figure of commitment and hard work, Guscoth provided that calming element in the defence able to work her player into the ground and subsequently force errors. However given the current climate in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, Guscoth saw it only fitting for her to return home and ply her trade off the court and in the doctor’s office instead.

“Although we tried to explore options to allow me to do more medical work around training in Australia it was becoming more difficult especially with COVID-19,” Guscoth said. “Given the ongoing pandemic, working in some capacity is something that I am keen to be able to do. I am very grateful to the Thunderbirds for the opportunity to play in SSN, it had never been something I thought that I would achieve.”

With Kate Shimmin joining Sunshine Coast Lightning after not being offered a contract by the Thunderbirds, Adelaide is still on the hunt for a third defender with the only contracted circle defender Matilda Garrett. The former Collingwood defender has showcased she has a wealth of skill, able to grind out games with her overall court coverage and long arms to create havoc down back. With Guscoth not there in 2021 it is expected that the 22-year-old will get the nod as the starting goal defence, an exciting step in her career and development. However, it is uncertain who her partners-in-crime will be as Adelaide currently sits in limbo waiting for the decision from Jamaican livewire and excitement machine, Shamera Sterling as to whether or not she will pull on the pink dress for next season. With a number of moving parts to be considered, the Thunderbirds have a few options to throw up such as the elevation of a training partner or the decision to go international.

If the Thunderbirds decide to go local and continue that theme of young up and coming players, Chelsea Blackman could be a viable suitor for the club given she just turned 20 and has experience with the club, albeit limited. Although she only got on court twice throughout the course of their 2020 campaign, Blackman proved that she has an uncanny ability to pick off intercepts and track the ball in the air. She is an exciting prospect who could really develop her craft if elevated to a full time roster and continue to learn off some of the best in the league. Still relatively raw and working on her ability to stay in the hunt for long periods of time, Blackman could be a real impact player able to come on and ply her trade in either goal keeper or goal defence. Standing at 185cm, the 20-year-old covers the court quite well and uses her clever footwork to manoeuvre around her opponent to create tips and turnovers while she also applies strong hands over pressure to put doubt in her opponents’ mind, whether it be on the shot or the pass.

Not a conventional circle defender, Shadine van der Merwe is another option the Thunderbirds could look to in 2021 given her impressive versatility. Known for her efforts in wing defence credit to her hands over pressure, one-on-one style of play and persistent niggle she has become a solid performer for the Thunderbirds over the past couple of seasons. A dogged style of defender that is renowned for her go-get it attitude and commitment to the cause, van der Merwe could find herself inside the defensive circle a bit more next season if that is the avenue the Thunderbirds decide to go down. Another option is the acquisition of Shannon Eagland who could provide a wealth of experience to what is quite a young and inexperienced defensive unit given the fresh faces. The 30-year-old is a highly experienced and knowledgeable player that understands what it takes to perform at the elite level having spent the past few seasons with the West Coast Fever. She is a real impact player that is able to come out for a fly and ruffle a couple of feathers, while could also provide that stability.