ROUND 10 of Suncorp Super Netball action is up this week, with a number of intriguing individual matchups popping up across the four matches. This week, our Draft Central head to head delves into the matchup between Melbourne Vixens goal defence Jo Weston and NSW Swifts goal attack Helen Housby, with the two players showcasing some consistent form this season and sure to set the court alight.

Melbourne Vixens vs. NSW Swifts
Jo Weston (GD) vs. Helen Housby (GA)

There are plenty of battles to watch throughout this match but one of the ones to really keep an eye on is the head to head between Weston and Housby, with the two circle players sure to test one another throughout the contest. Both are consistent and often relied upon by their teammates with their respective ability to play their role and light a spark across the court. Both highly respected players with a wealth of experience playing against one another, the two will surely bring the physicality from the get-go and create an enticing matchup for a full 60 minutes.

Taking a look at Weston first and a huge part of her game is her ability to bring the heat while also creating a smothering defence. She is not the most physical defender but her ability to mark the space and block the drives of her opposition is critical and could prove to be a real stand out in this match. When the Vixens are on a roll, so is Weston, with her ability to build from her own confidence and provoke star performances from those around her. Weston’s ability to communicate and combine seamlessly with both Emily Mannix and Kadie-Ann Dehaney is second-to-none while she works well with Kate Eddy to wreak havoc through the midcourt and will do anything to get her hands on that turnover ball. While Weston does have the habit of drawing a bit of whistle from the umpire, her hands over pressure and her evasive footwork allow her to consistently create timely deflections to put doubt in the opposition’s mind. It is safe to say the championship-winning backline is not the Vixens’ downfall this season, with the defensive unit as good as ever and Weston’s leadership is critical for their success. 

Housby is a completely different kettle of fish in goal attack with the England international typically providing a cool and calm head in the Swifts attack. Her speed and strong drives are huge in opening up space not only for her fellow attackers but also to drop back into, while her footwork, clean hands under pressure and willingness to contest pay off time and time again. The smooth mover has not quite been on her game this season however all of that turned with an excellent performance during Round 9, meaning the goal attack will be coming in with plenty of confidence and a real intent to provide that form in the front-end. With a great long-range shot and plenty of confidence to put ball up herself, Housby will be crucial for the Swifts and while she is not a fan of the physicality, she is more than capable of holding up under pressure and attention from her goal defence. Her combination with both Sam Wallace and Sophie Garbin is astounding with the three goalers working in tandem to create a constant firepower and force defenders to focus on the goaling unit rather than rather than an individual. 

It is safe to say it should be a fairly even battle between the two players. Housby will probably need a bit of time to ease into the game with Weston’s physicality likely to fire up early, although once Housby relaxes into the game the tides could turn the way of the Swifts goal attack. With both boasting a heavy arsenal of skills in their back pocket, there is no predicting how this matchup will go, especially with plenty of rotation expected around the two stalwarts.

Picture credit: AAP / James Ross