WITH a number of netball leagues across the world being suspended due to COVID-19, the Draft Central team is making a case for the top 25 players under 25-years-old across the netball world. Next up are a couple of midcourters with New Zealander Whitney Souness and up and coming GIANTS star Amy Parmenter. With so much talent at our disposal, this countdown is purely opinion-based, taking into consideration recent form, individual potential and future development.

Coming into the prime of her netball career, Souness has become an integral part of every midcourt whether it be at a national or international level. The speedy wing attack or centre made the switch to Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic at the end of last season after winning the premiership with Central Pulse where she had a standout season playing along with the likes of Aliyah Dunn and Ameliaranne Ekenasio. Although she has only managed a couple of games this season due to the coronavirus outbreak she has not skipped a beat, finding her groove straight away thanks to her high netball IQ and understanding. She is strong around the top of the goal circle with her quick hands and impressive vision to deliver well-weighted passes into the circle. Throw in her ability to push off and generate speed with either foot and dynamic movement and Souness is a handful in the attacking third along with her spatial awareness. Already having an impact with the Silver Ferns having debuted in 2017 Souness will be hoping to further cement her role in the black dress with her increased endurance, smarts and ability to seamlessly transition the ball down the court.

Claiming number 14 on the countdown is Amy Parmenter with the Australian midcourter well and truly bursting onto the scene in season 2019. The talented centre come wing defence made a lasting impression with her defensive pressure and ability to stand up against any foe. Not overawed by the high stakes and intensity of the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN), Parmenter was a real leader through the midcourt charging at any ball that came her way and locking down opponents with her smothering style of defence. She was not afraid to go out hunting using her quick acceleration to disrupt the oppositions attacking end and propelling the ball back down the court thanks to her attacking mindset. Parmenter is strong at the transverse line consistently providing an option to reset the play and use her quick feet to get around the body of opponents. She can turn a game on its head with her ability to force turnovers or garner deflections making her an exciting prospect for Australian netball for years to come given she is only 22 years old.

Top 25 so far:

25. Latanya Wilson (Jamaica)
24. Summer Artman (England)
23. Sophie Drakeford-Lewis (England)
22. Matilda Garrett (Australia)
21. Razia Quashie (England)
20. Sophie Garbin (Australia)
19. Imogen Allison (England)
18. Kelly Jury (New Zealand)
17.Tara Hinchliffe (Australia)
16. Aliyah Dunn (New Zealand)
15. Whitney Souness (New Zealand)
14. Amy Parmenter (Australia)