WITH the ANZ Premiership season just around the corner we take a look at each teams chances heading into the year and a key player to keep an eye on. The final team on the list is the Southern Steel.

Coach: Reinga Bloxham
Captain: Gina Crampton
2019 finish: 3rd

Last year was a good year for the Southern Steel finishing in the top three at the end of the home and away season but simply could not continue that domination in the finals series bowing out in straight sets. There was plenty to like about the Steel side with key pillars at either end of the court and their slick ball movement able to slice opposition defences apart making them a team to beat. But they have lost a couple of key cogs heading into the 2020 season which place pressure on the side to back up their efforts of last year.

2020 predictions/expectations:

After an impressive 2019, it will be a challenge to live up to the hype once again this year and with goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit making the move to the Tactix the Southern Steel will be searching for someone to fill her role. The midcourt is arguably one of their strongest combinations across the court with Shannon Saunders and Gina Crampton a formidable duo. Crampton is explosive in the attacking third with her change of pace, strong hands and good vision into the circle while Saunders uses her defensive attributes to win ball back through the middle third. The Steel have a plethora of young talent coming up through the ranks with twins Georgia and Kate Heffernan generating plenty of excitement albeit at different ends of the court while goal keeper Taneisha Fifita is another exciting prospect.  Defensively expect Te Huinga Selby-Rickit to lead the way given her experience and defensive prowess while Abby Erwood will be hoping to continue her solid form from last year. Tall timber Jennifer O’Connell will have to shoulder the load in the goal circle for the Steel using her height and long reach to provide a commanding presence under the post.

Key player/pick up: Kalifa McCollin

New recruit, McCollin will be desperate to make an immediate impact in the ANZ Premiership with her accuracy to post. Although she is small in stature the Trinidad and Tobago shooter offers plenty of excitement and rawness to a relatively experienced side. Her unpredictability, clever movement across the court and ability to read the space are a couple of key attributes in her game style. Although it may take her a while to find her feet in the high intensity competition expect her to have a big impact with her drive to post and work out the front. 

Team list:

Gina Crampton
Abby Erwood
Taneisha Fifita
Georgia Heffernan
Kate Heffernan
Kalifa McCollin (Trinidad & Tobago)
Kendall McMinn
Jennifer O’Connell
Shannon Saunders
Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit