IT has been a big year of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) that saw a host of new faces enter the league. While many may have been elevated training partners due to the extended bench there are a couple of players who made their long-awaited SSN debut with one boasting international experience. Draft Central has composed a countdown of the Top 15 SSN debutants for 2020  and claiming number one spot on the list is none other than Firebirds talent, Tippah Dwan.

The Queensland Firebirds goal attack took the competition by storm from the opening round with her level headedness and on court dominance. She proved to be a real ball magnet both out the front and in the goal circle given her ability to sweep across the circle or drive hard into the space to draw the attention of the defender. Dwan used her light frame to full effect, manoeuvring through space to receive the ball and consistently set up attacking forays. Her work at the centre pass was impressive and as the season dragged on her endurance steadily increased, able to run out full games and deliver at a high efficiency. Still young, Dwan had moments of weakness but well and truly made up for it with her hard work across the court to win ball back and do the defensive things well. Her three-foot marking was strong as was her work through the midcourt to clog up space and make it hard for teams to transition down court with ease.

She was a persistent threat throughout the season, willing to take on any defender that came across her using her nippy footwork and quick release to keep the opposition at bay. Often acting as a secondary goaler to partner in crime, Romelda Aiken, Dwan showcased her class to deliver the ball on a silver platter time and time again to the towering Jamaican. Dwan highlighted her ability to work her way into the circle and command the ball off the feeders thanks to her body positioning and use of angles while also displaying her spatial awareness to dish off passes to Aiken with great precision and timing. In saying that she also proved that she is more than capable of single-handedly taking on the defence and putting up shots herself whether it be from directly under the post or on the outskirts such is her skill and confidence. Her ability to read the play and the space enabled her to set the tone for the Firebirds and dictate the flow inside the goal circle. The youngster’s turn of speed was another focal point throughout the season, knowing when to put the after burners on, or halt play to work the ball around and wait for an opening to arise.

She was not afraid to reset the play and go back to the transverse line or use the midcourters around circle edge to help her re-position inside the circle and create a more viable option to the post, testament to her maturity and overall netball nous. The connections forged between speedster, Jemma Mi Mi, Mahalia Cassidy and Lara Dunkley allowed the 21-year-old to play with a wealth of freedom and versatility in terms of her feeding and goaling ability.

Without Gretel Bueta there were plenty of question marks that hung over the Firebirds outfit heading into the 2020 season, but Dwan stepped up to the plate oozing surety and skill in the front half. Her bold movement encouraged Aiken to play with an aura of confidence and dominance seeing Queensland rise up the ladder. She was not overwhelmed by the high intensity and physical nature, instead riding through it and prevailing showcasing her toughness to match some of the best in the business. It was her consistency that stood head and shoulders above the rest, featuring in every game for the Firebirds and nailing 184 goals, 46 of which were super shots at a conversion rate of 53 per cent.

Countdown so far

#2 Sunday Aryang
#3 Georgie Horjus
#4 Molly Jovic 
#5 Emma Cosh 
#6 Jodi-Ann Ward
#7 Lauren Moore
#8 Allie Smith
#9 Maddie Hay
#10 Elle McDonald
#11 Tayla Honey
#12 Nyah Allen
#13 Tayla Williams
#14 Binnian Hunt
#15 Tyler Orr

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