THE 2021 Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) is edging ever closer, and with the competition start date finally confirmed to begin on February 12, all 11 franchises are gearing up for a big year of netball after such a disrupted 2020.

With so much talent at each team’s disposal, Draft Central has compiled a list of the top imported talent taking the court in the Superleague in 2021. While some teams boast more international players than others, there is no doubt the calibre of talent – both emerging and experienced – is spread fairly evenly with exciting names gracing each of the 11 teams. In the second edition, we look at the remaining five franchises.

READ PART 1 HERE

Severn Stars

Newcomer to the Severn Stars, Liana Leota is no stranger to the big stage having played with Manchester Thunder previously in the Vitality Netball Superleague along with the Silver Ferns. An experienced midcourter renowned for her silky ball movement, zippy footwork and impressive spatial awareness to release the ball into the goal circle with ease, Leota is one to watch again this season. Another exciting option for the Stars is Fijian, Adi Bolakoro who has become a staple in defence with her strong hands over pressure, change of direction and shut down ability to stop the ease of the ball entering the defensive circle.

Strathclyde Sirens

Sirens captain Gia Abernethy may hail from Australia, but she slots in seamlessly with the Scotland-based side, bringing her leadership qualities and energiser-bunny attitude to the forefront of her game, while her ability to forge connections across the court is pivotal to the side. Well established within the squad and able to combine with any number of players through the midcourt, as well as up forward or back depending on her positioning, the versatile Australian is an excellent driver through the centre and can transition between attack and defence with ease.

Surrey Storm

Australian goal shooter and former Melbourne Vixens star Karyn Bailey is one of the most consistent shooters in the league with her versatility inside the circle and range. Bailey is a cool, calm and collected customer who despite heading towards the latter stage of her career still has plenty to give thanks to her netball smarts and cleanliness with ball in hand. She is a smooth mover who can drive the baseline or put in the hard yards to swing the ball across the top of the circle. Exciting Zimbabwean, Felisitus Kwangwa is set to join the squad with the Gems captain a real livewire that possesses great athleticism and flair to change the course of a game in an instant. Kwangwa is somewhat of an unknown quantity but has the skillset to attack the high balls and cause chaos with her read of the play and natural talent.

Team Bath

Team Bath have plenty of talent with Australian goaler Kim Borger (nee Commane) a key import on their list once again for the upcoming season. A consistent figure under the post, Borger uses her strong holds and nifty footwork to reposition with great ease and edge closer to the post. She is smart netballer and although she is not the quickest player on the court, utilises her sticky hands and overall accuracy to continuously add to the scoreboard and present a damaging option inside the circle. With added versatility to play both goal attack and goal shooter Borger has quickly become a familiar name and face for Bath given her reliability and skillset to think her way through the pressure and prevail.

Wasps Netball

Joining the team for her first season, Jamaican goaler Gezelle Allison will be one to keep an eye on when the season commences. Still a raw prospect Allison oozes sheer athleticism and star power to have an influence in the air, often using her leap to rip the ball out of midair and propel it forward. Boasting a basketball background, Allison will provide that element of unpredictability and attacking flair to somewhat of a steady and stable Wasps unit. The up and coming Jamaican product will play alongside an experienced head in Rachel Dunn and will be hoping to utilise her unique skillset to make a splash.