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. The countdown continues with Team Bath midcourter Imogen Allison and New Zealand Silver Ferns youngster Kelly Jury. With so much talent at our disposal, this countdown is purely opinion-based, taking into consideration recent form, individual potential and future development.

After a couple of impressive seasons in the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL), Imogen Allison has made herself a household name with her ball winning ability and hands over pressure. Playing with the likes of Serena Guthrie in 2019, the up and coming midcourter has modelled her game play off the highly talented star with her gut running and defensive mindset. Allison has been a key cog for Team Bath throughout the season so far despite there only being three games in which she has already mustered up five intercepts and three deflections. Her ability to treasure possession and quick transition down the court is another key element of her game play. Allison has proven that she is a versatile player able to move between centre and wing defence with ease while her speed across the court to gather loose balls or force turnovers makes her an exciting prospect for future England Roses selection.

Slotting into number 19 is Kelly Jury with the 196cm defender renowned for her long lanky limbs and immense defensive pressure. Although Jury is not the quickest player on the court her ability to read the play and get her body cleanly around her opponent is what makes her so damaging. 2019 was a year of development for Jury with the likes of former Ferns captain Casey Kopua guiding the 23-year-old defender at Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic while her game has come along in leaps and bounds once again since making the switch to the Central Pulse in 2020 with the likes of Katrina Rore and Karin Burger surrounding her. Their influence has had a huge impact on Jury’s game with the goal keeper not afraid to back herself to go out hunting for cross-court balls or under the post. Jury still has plenty to develop with her ability to remain a constant threat for a full quarters an area she will be hoping to improve on in the coming season to become a permanent fixture in the Ferns side. However, Jury has played at the top level notching up 22 caps showcasing that she does have the talent and class to nullify world class shooters while also experiencing World Cup glory in 2017 with the New Zealand Youth Cup team.

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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)