EACH week the Draft Central team will focus on one Suncorp Super Netball player across the round and take a look at their individual highlights, key moments and improvements across their match. Our player focus for Round 2 is Queensland Firebirds goaler, Tippah Dwan, with the goal attack putting on a show in the first round and needing to back it up in Round 2 over the weekend. Each set of notes showcases the opinions of our writers individually.

Still only 20-years-old, Dwan has had a year on the sidelines to build up to her official debut after getting her first contract ahead of the 2019 season before injury struck and ended her season before it began. While Dwan was planned to be a training partner once more this season, she was elevated and gifted her Round 1 debut thanks to Gretel Bueta‘s pregnancy announcement ahead of the season’s start. Dwan took the court brimming with confidence last round and took the Super Netball by storm with a huge debut performance, putting her name in the books with the first super shot for the season and an overall solid effort around the grounds. This week Dwan did not have quite the same impact on the scoreboard, but still racked up 14 centre pass receives, seven goals (including two super shots) at 64 per cent, seven assists and a gain in the Firebirds’ loss to the Melbourne Vixens.

Here’s what we had to say.

By: Sophie Taylor, Draft Central Senior Editor 

Compared to last round, Dwan was a lot quieter but it was her work rate off the ball that was clear in this one, constantly re-offering and providing an option outside the circle. At times she really showcased her goal line drive but otherwise was mostly quiet, with Jo Weston on top of her every move early and limiting opportunities to turn and shoot. What she did not put on the scoreboard though, Dwan created a heap of ball movement out the front, constantly driving towards the ball and putting up a stellar super shot after the buzzer to finish the first quarter. Her burst of speed at the centre pass created plenty of smooth first phase play, opening up plenty of space on the drive and doing a heap of work to get the ball to Romelda Aiken. While taken off the court in patches, overall Dwan played a solid role, constantly seeking out space and using her turn of speed to zip into it, also willing to contest the ball. Dwan’s vision of the space continued to impress, and while she did not worry the scoreboard as she did last round, overall she was a solid contributor both inside and around the circle. She also showed off her clean hands in this outing, operating well under pressure and hitting targets on the feed.

By: Taylah Melki, Draft Central Managing Editor

Although Dwan did not have as much of an influence as she did in her Round 1 performance against the Lightning it was her off the ball work that stood head and shoulders above the rest. The young goaler put in the hard yards out the front to feed the ball into Aiken with her high release on the pass and pin point accuracy. Strong in attack it was her second efforts in defence that also impressed picking up a clever gain thanks to her strong three-foot marking and read of the play. She showcased plenty of composure despite being under constant pressure and backed herself from range once again highlighting her never say die mentality. She continuously hustled inside the goal circle to secure prime position and absorbed the physicality not deterred by the constant niggle under the post from Weston. She did a mountain load of work to bring the ball down into the circle and was constantly on the move to draw the attention of Weston and create a one on one between Aiken and Emily Mannix under the post testament to her high netball IQ.

By: Lucy Pollock, Draft Central UK Writer

A solid performance this week from Dwan, however, her skills did not shine quite so brightly this weekend. Like several youngsters in Round 2, she did not put out such a strong performance against the Vixens but is looking comfortable at SSN level and will surely grow throughout the season. She was up against the formidable Weston, and also the Vixens had a chance to suss out her game plan after the opening round. Her partnership with Aiken is building and she is managing to draw the defenders and create clever options in attack. She now needs to build consistency and confidence and she will become a force to be reckoned with. A highlight of her game this week was earning herself a pickup, and if she can develop her defensive skills through the midcourt even further, like a Helen Housby or Jo Harten, she will be lethal.

By: Jarrad Gardner, Centre Pass Podcast host

Dwan continued her bright start to 2020 even as the Firebirds suffered a massive defeat at the hands of the Vixens. Matched up against an Australian Diamond in Weston, Dwan did not back down from the fight, forming a nice 1-2 punch with Aiken in the goal circle. While she did not shoot at a high volume, Dwan provided a solid option at the centre pass and fed the ball into Aiken with ease. A super shot after the first quarter siren kept her side within touching distance and showed her cool head under pressure, a trait you just cannot teach. Even though the game was all but over early in the second half, Dwan continued to fight right until the end which would have impressed coach Roselee Jenke as she hopes to lock down the starting goal attack role for the Firebirds.

By: Kate Cornish, Draft Central volunteer writer

What a difference a week in elite sport can make. Last week Dwan made a golden debut against the Sunshine Coast Lightning and despite her team losing, her praises were sung and rightly so. She had a ‘no fear’ approach to how she attacked the goal attack position and her confidence to put up the new super shot was that of a netball veteran. This week however, against one of the best drilled teams in the competition in the Melbourne Vixens, Dwan took a back seat to the action and had less of an effect than she had last week. In Round 1 Dwan had a hot hand and confidence to burn, looking directly at the post, however, this week against the Vixens (and coming up against Diamonds defender Weston who had obviously done her homework) she settled into playing a feeding role to Aiken early and it felt like she went missing for much of the game. While it is obvious she is a very clever young player she was unable to make an impact, at times staying away from play not presenting as an option for her teammates. The real test for Dwan will be how she reflects on and shakes off a disappointing Round 2 and how she prepares for upcoming games. Her focus should be on creating consistency in her performances and continuing to play to her strengths which highlight her natural ability as a netballer; speed, timing, great ball placement and confidence to turn and shoot when she is in striking range. Dwan has all the attributes of a fantastic goal attack in the making and the challenge of stepping up into super netball and a condensed season will be a great test for the youngster.