THE Australian Netball League (ANL) plays a big role in providing the Suncorp Super Netball League with access to players as each club has a direct correlation with an ANL team. The ANL allows for players to be elevated to the elite level if needed and is imperative in setting up a competitive league.

Canberra GIANTS:

Canberra is directly linked to the GWS GIANTS in the Suncorp Super Netball League and much like their counterparts they had a solid season, finishing in fourth position with nine wins. The GIANTS fell agonisingly short in the grand final but the shooting trio of Kiera Austin, Angelina Frketic and Beryl Friday proved to be a handful to contain showcasing their accuracy to post and ability to hurt opposition teams on the scoreboard. Promising defender, Teigan O’Shannassy was also important for the GIANTS with her ability to read the play and get hands to ball.

Netball NSW Waratahs:

The NSW Swifts are affiliated with the Waratahs and put out a strong season to claim second spot on the ladder. They racked up ten wins only losing in Round 1 and Round 4 to Victorian Fury and the Tasmanian Magpies. 16-year-old, young gun, Matisse Letherbarrow was a revelation in the shooting circle along with Alison Miller with accuracy proving to be no challenge for either of them. The inclusion of AFLW player, Elle Bennetts into the side has been a real positive for the Waratahs as she offers great strength through the midcourt. Bennetts also has a lot of experience having played with Victorian Fury for four seasons.

Queensland Fusion:

The Fusion had a tough trot finishing seventh, racking up a mere three wins for the season. The feeder club for the Queensland Firebirds bred some up and coming stars with the likes of Maddie Hinchliffe, twin sister of Firebirds goal defence Tara Hinchliffe, getting her opportunity to prove her worth on the court. While the likes of goal attack, Tippah Dwan and Amy Sommerville put in a big season and showed why they could be a real force to be reckoned with more experience and time on the court. Laura Clemesha was also solid down in defence for Queensland with her ability to read the play.

Southern Force:

The Southern Force just fell short of the finals finishing the year in fifth spot but have showed plenty of promise with players such as Sasha Glasgow making her debut for the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Glasgow proved to be a pivotal player in the goal circle with her clever movement and ability to hit the scoreboard. Young versatile centre court player, Gia Abernethy impressed with her speed and agility while Abigail Meafou was also important for the Force shooting plenty of goals. The Force also saw New Zealand goal shooter Cat Tuivaiti make her much awaited come back after tearing her ACL. The Silver Fern played an important role in the goal circle providing plenty of class and experience for the young team.

Tasmanian Magpies:

The Tasmanian Magpies had a much better season than their Suncorp partners the Collingwood Magpies, taking out the 2018 ANL premiership. After finishing in third spot the Magpies fought tooth and nail to secure the grand final win. With the likes of Cody Lange who has Suncorp Super Netball experience along with Jane Cook and Gabrielle Sinclair the shooting combination worked effectively for the Magpies posting some impressive totals. Defensively Melissa Bragg and Sharni Lamben also showcased their skills applying plenty of pressure and hustle to win the loose ball. Kelsie Rainbow was also lethal in the midcourt for Tasmania with her impressive speed and ability to get clever deflections.

Territory Storm:

The Storms performance throughout the season was completely different to their Suncorp club the Sunshine Coast Lightning who won the premiership. The Storm finished at the bottom of the ladder only managing one win for the season. Cara Koenen was an important player for the Storm contributing plenty of goals to their total when she was named in the team. Koenen is a smooth mover and can open up space in the goal circle. New Zealand defender Erena Mikaere was also valuable for Territory credit to her height, ability to read the play and willingness to get involved in the contest on the court.

Victorian Fury:

Melbourne Vixens are connected to the Fury allowing for players such as Samantha Gooden to shine and be prepared for a call up to the Suncorp league when needed. Gooden starred throughout the season with her clever movement, strong hands and more importantly ability to sink goals when it counted. The Fury continued their hot form finishing at the top of the table after another impressive season but unfortunately fell short when it came to finals unable to make it to the big dance. Jacqueline Newton was also consistent down in defence for her side.

Western Sting:

The Western Sting are affiliated with the West Coast Fever and have plenty of up and coming young talent. The Sting have been lucky enough to taste success winning the premiership in 2017 after overcoming the Victorian Fury in what was an impressive performance, but they failed to maintain that dominance in season 2018 finishing in sixth spot. The Sting only managed to win four games for the year but the likes of Tess Cransberg and Kaylia Stanton stood tall in the goal circle. Annika Lee-Jones also provided a good presence down in defence for the Western Sting with the rangy defender using her height and long arms to intimidate the shooters.