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 starting off our top three is Adelaide Thunderbirds young gun Georgie Horjus.

An unknown quantity heading into the season, Horjus is now a household name with the speedy goaler blowing many netball fans away with her raw talent and overall class. She set the court alight from the moment she stepped out on court with her cuts and drives enabling her to shake off her defender and enter the goal circle with relative ease. Able to play both goal attack and wing attack, Horjus showcased her impressive versatility and skillset to alter her game play and provide the goods in both positions. When out in wing attack, her spatial awareness and playmaking skills really came to the fore, able to turn and sight the shooters in the circle with great ease. She also upped the ante at the centre pass to get involved in the transitional play down the court. However, it is fair to say that Horjus did her best work under the post and the Thunderbirds profited off her added movement in the goal circle, able to glide into the circle and cause havoc with her fancy footwork to edge closer to the post.

As the season went on, Horjus’ confidence developed, backing herself from range and doing so with relative accuracy sitting at 56 per cent during the super shot period. Her ability to withstand the pressure and look to post showcased her composure and overall skill. With the likes of Lenize Potgieter under the post, Horjus was often the secondary shooter but played a crucial role, able to alleviate the pressure on the goal shooter to take the shot herself or dish off a pass. Her read of the play was another integral part of her game play, able to deliver the ball to the advantage of Potgieter taking into consideration her body positioning and surrounding space. The 18-year-old was not afraid to use her turn of speed, able to take off down the court and dart into the goal circle but also showed great restraint to know when to slow down and work the ball around to ensure she did not throw the ball away.

A dynamic mover Horjus was never far from the action and despite her young age played with a great maturity. Her sheer netball smarts were impressive able to release the right pass at the right time to allow the Thunderbirds to push forward in attack. Her partnership with co-captain Chelsea Pitman was second to none with the two combining seamlessly to bring the ball down court. Horjus fed off Pitman’s cautious approach down court, with the latter able to provide a reset option for the youngster. Her connection with Hannah Petty and Maisie Nankivell also steadily developed, able to read their attacking movements and pop into the right places across the court to give the T’birds chances.

The debutant showcased her impressive balance and strength to steady herself or others while her overall work rate was unquestionable, working in overdrive for Adelaide. Horjus recorded an impressive 174 goals with 41 of them super shots, showcasing her consistency for the Thunderbirds.

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Countdown so far:

#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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