THERE was no shortage of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) action in Round 2 with the Fever continuing their winning run and Queensland Firebirds notching up their first for the season. In this new series, Draft Central will look at five key learnings from the round whether it be consistent themes or standout performances.

Fever will play finals

It may only be Round 2 but it is fair to say that the West Coast Fever are in damaging form and do not look like slowing down any time soon. Plagued by a 12-point deficit for a salary breach the Fever have won their first two games and done so in style. With Jhaniele Fowler at the helm and the inclusion of Sasha Glasgow in the goal circle the Fever have proven to be real finals contenders -albeit two games into the season- but have the star power to overcome any team that stands in their way. Their ability to uphold under immense pressure from the Swifts is living proof of this statement. Defensively the Fever are also brimming with talent as Sunday Aryang, Courtney Bruce and Stacey Francis all pose a threat as shown in Round 2.

Collingwood are still a step off the pace

Although Collingwood were without a couple of key cogs in Geva Mentor and Molly Jovic they struggled across the board to generate any real clean play. Despite showing glimpses of magic with some slick ball movement off the hands of Kelsey Browne the Magpies lacked that element of grit and class with a number of players throwing away ball. Ash Brazill was guilty for a number of turnovers racking up five to half time in an uncharacteristic performance by her lofty standards while in attack both Shimona Nelson and Gabby Sinclair were accountable for 10 turnovers. Collingwood simply did not treasure possession throughout the game which ultimately cost them momentum and the game.

Firebirds are one of the most versatile teams in the competition

Queensland recorded their first win for the season with a strong showing against Adelaide Thunderbirds. Although there were shaky moments throughout the contest, one thing that shone through was their versatility. Megan Anderson has a wealth of highly talented athletes at her disposal and she was not afraid to inject them into the thick of things. The constant rotation in the goal circle between Gretel Bueta, Tippah Dwan and Romelda Aiken was second to none as the trio worked the ball around to get into damaging positions and score. The versatility and depth did not stop there as Kim Ravaillion, Lara Dunkley and Jemma Mi Mi shared duties through the midcourt with all of them bringing different assets to the game whether it be speed, endurance or ball placement. Defensively the Firebirds also dug deep with Rudi Ellis enjoying some court time and forcing Kim Jenner and Tara Hinchliffe to play out of position for passages throughout the game. However the most impressive element was the fact that Queensland did not look flustered with the changes instead embracing the changes.

Ruby Barkmeyer over Kaylia Stanton

Although Kaylia Stanton is a more renowned player given her years in the Suncorp Super Netball system she is yet to find her feet at the Melbourne Vixens. Playing out of position much like she did with the Fever, Stanton has struggled to inject herself into the contest forced high and unable to enter the goal circle with any real conviction. Her stagnant movement has also become somewhat obvious for the Vixens frontend with the likes of Kate Moloney, Mwai Kumwenda and newbie Hannah Mundy working in overdrive. Conversely, up and coming goaler Ruby Barkmeyer seems to provide the spark the Vixens need with her strong drives, speed off the mark and slick hands opening the attack up. While she is still slight in stature and developing her confidence, her movement given she is a typical goal attack is exactly what the Vixens need. This became evident when she came on in the second half with her turn of speed and spatial awareness enabling the Melbourne side to build scoring momentum.

Debutants aplenty

The GIANTS confirmed that they will be without Australian Diamonds goaler Kiera Austin for the remainder of the season after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in Round 1 but that did not seem to stop them as they notched up their second win of the season. the GIANTS were also without the services of Amy Parmenter and Kristiana Manu’a allowing for some fresh faces to take the court and lead the way. Sophie Dwyer has been a revelation since Austin went down, sharing the load with Jo Harten in the goal circle and effectively plying her trade out the front. But this round saw the likes of Amy Sligar step up to the plate and utilise her strong hands over pressure to win her fair share of ball back while fellow youngster Annie Miller also got her chance.

Photo credit: AAP