WITH a host of young talent littered throughout the ANZ Premiership competition Draft Central takes a look at one key player each week. This week the player in focus is Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic goaler Khiarna Williams who starred in their victory over the Southern Steel last round.

Age: 17
Height: 183cm
Position: GS/GA

Out of position, 17-year-old Williams burst onto the scene in goal attack with her exquisite timing and impeccable vision into the circle. Although typically playing in goal shooter Williams found her range from the opening minute and showcased her silky movement out the front gliding across the court.

Williams showcased her array of talents holding strong in the circle while also highlighting her aerial ability to sneak out the back and take the ball at full flight. Her deceptive speed and long arms allowed her to reel in a wealth of ball while her composed nature wowed many fans. Although she did not take the court against the Tactix and not play a full 60 minutes against the Steel, Williams proved to be a force to be reckoned with inside the goal circle. She was a key playmaker in the attacking third for the Magic with her drive and second phase play opening up space and allowing her teammates to get to work.

Getting the start paid dividends for the Magic with the Steel caught off guard and taking a while to adjust to William’s presence on court something she made the most of. Her connection with Kelsey McPhee was on song early able to sight the towering goal shooter and delivering the ball with confidence into the circle. The shooter to shooter interplay was solid with the two bouncing off each other, setting screens and rotating through the space to keep the likes of Taneisha Fifita and Te Huinga Selby-Rickit guessing.

It was a physical contest but it did not seem to faze Williams with the teenager absorbing the hits and delivering time and time again to finish with 14 goals from 19 attempts at 74 per cent accuracy. She set the tone early with her desire to go to post and impose herself both in the goal circle and as a key cog through the centre third to bring the ball down the court. Still developing her connection with Sam Winders and Whitney Souness, Williams managed to connect seamlessly with them especially in the goal circle to weave her way into space and command the ball.

Standing at 183cm she is not the tallest shooter but still managed to hold front space thanks to her strength, high netball IQ and fancy footwork to dance around her opponent. Up against Selby-Rickit, the youngster used her tenacity and speed to zip around the court something she will be hoping to replicate this round against the Northern Stars who are renowned for their aerial presence thanks to Storm Purvis and Kate Burley.

Further court time will only allow Williams to continue to flourish and deliver on the big stage given her raw potential and shooting prowess. Her ability to hold her own against quality and experienced defenders is a promising sign for the Magic despite only having a couple of games left in the season.