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 with number nine, Maddie Hay.

With a starting position up for grabs this season, Hay made a name for herself in the GIANTS outfit with her precise ball placement integral to the sides flow. Not boasting a wealth of speed out of the blocks Hay proved to be a real workhorse across the court, using her drives and ball speed to carve up the opposition. Although there were patches where she was well covered throughout the season, her effort was unquestionable, fronting up to the challenge week in, week out for the GIANTS. A constant threat at the centre pass, Hay popped out to receive the ball and worked hard to get involved in the second phase play to provide attacking forays.

Still adapting to the SSN level, she forged a strong partnership with Jamie-Lee Price through the centre, knowing when to drive and when to clear out to allow Price to run the court. Hay was impressive from both the pocket and top of the goal circle for the GIANTS able to weight the pass perfectly and nine times out of 10 loop it over the top into the goalers. Her ability to detect the appropriate type of pass and when to go with speed was crucial in providing some form of stability to the GIANTS frontend. The wing attack showcased her adaptability to change up her game play depending on who was inside the circle with Jo Harten, Kiera Austin and Caitlin Bassett all posing differing styles.

Hay became a regular throughout the 2020 season, working in overdrive to apply defensive pressure to complement her attacking prowess. Her strength on the take developed across the 13 games she played, only missing one game for the season credit to her consistency on court and ability to get the job done. She was cautious with ball in hand, not afraid to work the ball around the court to open up the space and then deliver inside the goal circle instead of throwing the ball into congestion. Her transitional play was also impressive able to slingshot down the court and was a constant option inside the attacking third credit to her spatial awareness and overall court coverage.

She finished with 164 goal assists to her name, thanks to her ability to spot the space and dish off with a high volume of accuracy. The 25-year-old also collected three intercepts and 19 deflections highlighting her full court pressure and willingness to run both ways to support the GIANTS’ defence. Having also recently re-signed for 2021 the future is bright for the up and coming midcourter who oozes plenty of composure and netball smarts.