AUSTRALIA has no shortage of netball talent with a host of players opting to ply their trade outside of the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) competition in Australia. This series takes a look at a number of players that are abroad whether it be in the ANZ Premiership in New Zealand or Vitality Netball Superleague in the UK. Some players are making their way over to their respective competitions for the first time in the 2021 season while others have become household names given their long tenure with their club.

Gia Abernethy – VNSL (Strathclyde Sirens)

173cm (C/WA/WD)

Former Adelaide Thunderbirds midcourter, Abernethy has not skipped a beat since moving to the VNSL and has become an integral member in the Sirens outfit. A consistent performer through the midcourt, Abernethy has the ability to swing between all three positions with her gut running key to her dominance. The typical centre is light on her feet able to dance her way around opponents and ply her trade while her attacking mindset enables her to create multiple forward forays. The 26-year-old has steadily built her repertoire throughout her time with the Sirens able to use her nippy footwork and adapt her game plan to suit the VNSL style given while she was at the Thunderbirds she played more of a body-on-body style of netball.

Karyn Bailey – VNSL (Surrey Storm)

191cm (GS/GA)

Bailey has played in the VNSL since 2018, starting off with the Saracen Mavericks before switching to the Storm this season. The goal shooter has a number of accolades and experience to her name having played with the Diamonds while also being a part of the Melbourne Vixens premiership side back in 2014. She also spent time with Adelaide Thunderbirds prior to making the move over to England where she re-invigorated her career. The 191cm goaler plays more of a holding role under the post but also has the ability to get on the move and shake things up inside the goal circle such is her netball nous. Her accuracy is impressive while her skill to create space and use her footwork to ward off defenders is another facet of her game play.

Caitlin Bassett – ANZ (Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic)

196cm (GS)

In arguably one of the biggest moves in netball history, the Australian Diamonds captain decision to switch to the ANZ Premiership for 2021 sent shockwaves throughout the netball community. Struggling for regular court time throughout 2020 with the GIANTS, Bassett sought continuity something the Magic were willing to give her. The experience of the goal shooter will be pivotal to the young and inexperienced Magic frontend while her overall dominance at the post is unquestionable. Her strong holds have made her a renowned name in the netball world along with her accuracy to post and ability to score quickly. Bassett can change the course of a game in an instant credit to her body positioning and demanding nature under the post to reel in the high ball and score. She is a constant threat even when her radar is off given her rebounding ability and general netball smarts to box out defenders.

Madi Browne – VNSL (Leeds Rhinos)

168cm (C/WA)

Speaking of shock moves it is hard to go past the signing of Madi Browne with the former Collingwood Magpies midcourter and Australian Diamond making the decision to move to the UK and play with the newly established Rhinos. Dealing with a recurring anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, many suspected Browne was going to hang up the dress, however that was not the case with the midcourter set to lead the way for Leeds. A consistent figure that can play both centre and wing attack, Browne oozes nothing but precision and professionalism. She is a real workhorse through the centre and is able to thread the needle with great ease such is her spatial awareness and impeccable timing. Her footwork and turn of speed are highly impressive, and pair that with her vision and the Rhinos have picked up a key playmaker in their inaugural season.

Kim Commane – VNSL (Team Bath)

180cm (GS/GA)

It is fair to say that Commane often flies under the radar, however the goal shooter is a formidable presence under the post with her high volume and accuracy on show. Commane has spent time with the Melbourne Vixens albeit as a training partner or replacement player while also plying her trade in the Victorian Netball League but has been a familiar face with Team Bath for the past couple of seasons. Her ability to stand up to the pressure and deliver is second to none, often able to think her way through the defence and have a profound impact. She can play both a holding or moving shooter role credit to her netball smarts and array of talents inside the circle to shakeup her game accordingly, however she is most dominant when able to command the ball and hold strong. Commane is a rangy shooter that can sink them from both under the post or further out and is strong on the rebound thanks to her body positioning and read of the play.

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Related articles:

Bassett’s move to Magic // Commane Player Diaries // Movers and changers

Sirens engaging both on and off the court ahead of VNSL 2021 // Rhinos coach leading the charge for progress in the VNSL // ‘It’s about survival’: Surrey aim to weather the storm of 2020