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. Making the top five in the countdown is Queensland Firebirds defender, Kim Jenner and Silver Ferns goaler Maia Wilson. With so much talent at our disposal, this countdown is purely opinion-based, taking into consideration recent form, individual potential and future development.

Although she has not made her international debut yet, Kim Jenner is a real excitement machine and could quite easily pave the way forward for the Firebirds with her defensive prowess. There is no denying that she is a firecracker on court with her tenacity and desire to hunt any cross court ball. Learning from the best such as Laura Geitz, Jenner has steadily developed into a powerhouse down back and while she is costly at times when it comes to penalties her ability to cause disruption in the defensive third makes up for it. Her deceptive acceleration, lean over the shot and ability to adjust her game play highlights her sheer netball smarts. Combining with the likes of fellow youngster Tara Hinchliffe, the two have become a formidable duo renowned for their immense physical pressure and quick footwork. Throw in Diamonds wing defence Gabi Simpson and the trio down back have an uncanny ability to force turnovers. Jenner is not afraid to back herself in a contest and while she is still honing in her timing, she poses a dominant threat every time she goes out searching for an intercept, creating fear in the feeders minds. Further exposure to the highest level possible will allow her to develop her craft and take her game to the next level. Her strength in the air and ability to smother an opponent with her tagging style of defence generates plenty of excitement while her work in transition adds another string to her bow. If she continues on this trajectory she could easily become an option for the Diamonds in the future.

Wilson claimed fourth spot on the countdown with the 187cm shooter imposing herself both on the international and national stage. The 22-year-old shooter still has plenty to learn but has shown in recent months her ability to stand strong under the post and most importantly demand the ball. Her towering height, long reach and clever footwork makes her an easy target under the post. Wilson was a key reason her side got to the grand final last year in the ANZ Premiership, able to shoulder the load in the goal circle for the Northern Stars, with the likes of experienced goaler Ellen Halpenny chiming in every now and then. The goal shooter has skill to boot thanks to her good ball control, ability to reel in loose passes and get into clever positions under the ring to post high tallies at a decent accuracy. With the changing of the guard in the Silver Ferns, now is Wilsons time to grab the limelight. Since making her debut in 2016, Wilson has played 14 games and while she is not apart of the regular fixture could become an integral member with her calm temperament, netball smarts and potential.

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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)
17. Tara Hinchliffe (Australia)
16. Aliyah Dunn (New Zealand)
15. Whitney Souness (New Zealand)
14. Amy Parmenter (Australia)
13. Cara Koenen (Australia)
12. Kate Eddy (Australia)
11. Kiera Austin (Australia)
10. Grace Nweke (New Zealand)
9. Kadie-Ann Dehaney (Jamaica)
8. Ine-Mari Venter (South Africa)
7. Kimiora Poi (New Zealand)
6. George Fisher (England)
5. Kim Jenner (Australia)
4. Maia Wilson (New Zealand)