IN a new series, Draft Central casts an eye over the top performer from the round taking into account now only their individual stats but their overall impact on the game. Round 6 of the ANZ Premiership saw a number of key players, lead the way for their respective teams and put their best foot forward. This week it is Aliyah Dunn that walks away with the honours.

Dunn was a key reason for the Pulse’s resurgent win in Round 6 with the goal shooter commanding the ball under the post. her confidence shone through, able to dictate the space and use her fancy footwork along the goal-line to edge closer to the ring. Dunn was a constant option in attack for the Pulse and partnered well with Te Amo Amaru-Tibble to form a damaging duo. Amaru-Tibble combined seamlessly with Dunn as the pair rotated through the circle with relative ease and used their short sharp passes to bypass the rangy arms of the defenders.

The goal shooter was a clear option and while she is known for her work directly under the post showcased her range to back herself from further out. She was never far from the contest and used her leap to compete strongly in the air. Her accuracy was also key as Dunn only missed four goals for the entire game going at 90 per cent thanks to her 35 goals from 39 attempts. In fact in the third term Dunn showcased her dead eye accuracy to nail 10 goals straight and her increased volume to post was somewhat the catalyst for the Pulse’s takeover on the scoreboard. Her connection with Whitney Souness and Claire Kersten also came to the fore as the midcourt combo got busy around circle edge to fire in pinpoint passes. They also grew in confidence to release the high ball into Dunn which was credit to her clear holds and smarts to body up on her opponent and then drop into the back space when she saw fit.

Dunn’s competitive spirit came to life as she tussled with some of the best in the business in Anna Harrison and former Pulse premiership player Elle Temu. The goal shooter used her knowledge to play to her strengths and outmanoeuvre her opponents while also showcasing her versatility to not always rely on the high looping ball in. Dunn was cool, calm and composed every time the ball hit the goal circle with her strong holds enabling her to hold off the defenders even when Oceane Maihi was injected into the game.