THE Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season has swung around once again with teams shaping up for an exciting year of netball. Having played through a global pandemic last season, the 2021 campaign will be hoping to restore a bit of normality to the netball world as the eight sides compete for that all-elusive premiership.

Coach: Nicole Richardson
Captain: Geva Mentor
2020 finish: 8th

The Magpies realistically have nowhere to go but up after a shoddy season 2020, with just one win going their way in a disappointing year for the club, which had a constant injury cloud overhead to go in hand with a highly inexperienced list. While the injury list grew periodically, with first Ash Brazill out prior to the season proper and then the imminent losses of Madi and Kelsey Browne in consecutive weeks, something the Magpies did really well in 2020 was blood up an exciting list of talented training partners, with Molly Jovic and Mel Bragg two players who well and truly stepped up to the task, week in, week out. But with youth and a quick recovery period between games, the side just did not quite have the oomph to retain pressure across the full 60 minutes, rendering them to a frustrating season.

2021 predictions/expectations:

The Magpies are looking a lot more potent heading into 2021, with the return of Kelsey Browne and Brazill, as well as new Trinidad and Tobago acquisition Kalifa McCollin, who will add an extra prong to an already exciting front-line. Whilst Browne’s speed and energy is sure to play a huge role out the front, the return of her pinpoint precision feeds to Shimona Nelson are sure to pay off in spades with Gabby Sinclair also more than capable of providing that extra attacking option alongside McCollin. Also through the centre, the injection of Jovic and Bragg with extra preparation and connection is sure to pay dividends, especially with the huge return of Brazill which is already sending tongues wagging. At the back-end, there is no doubt captain Geva Mentor will look to fly out of the blocks and be a key figure down back once more, especially with a new-look combination in defence with Jodi-Ann Ward and Jacqui Newton. Whilst Ward is likely to receive the starting bib given her added experience, Newton is also a viable option out the front, especially in a side which has nothing to lose this year.

Key player to watch:

When it comes to players to watch, one cannot go past the excitement fan favourite Brazill brings to both the playing group and fans alike. With over a year and a half since she took the court at Suncorp Super Netball level, there is no doubt Brazill’s star power and versatility will really boost the Magpies squad this year, playing with an element of excitement and the aerial leap which saw her admission into the Australian Diamonds squad a couple of years back. Whilst she may not yet have the court fitness after making her return to AFL Women’s midway through the 2021 season, she will certainly bring her excellent endurance base and work rate to every match. Brazill is one of the big returnees in 2021 and is sure to do big things when given the chance, with her vision and workhorse attitude allowing her to consistently turn over ball for her side.

Team list:

Geva Mentor
Ash Brazill
Kelsey Browne
Molly Jovic
Melissa Bragg
Gabby Sinclair
Shimona Nelson
Jodi-Ann Ward
Jacqui Newton
Kalifa McCollin