WITH netball done and dusted for the 2020 calendar year, the team at Centre Pass have decided to create a Netball Fantasy Draft that includes a series of mini-podcasts delving into the reasoning behind player selections. Following suit with the extended benches in Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) and given the high calibre of players to choose from each person will have a 12 player roster and one position will be discussed per episode. The second last bench position has been filled in this episode with a couple of surprise packets making their way onto lists in the latest episode.

The teams are coming along nicely with only one spot remaining after these selections. With no glaringly obvious holes to fill each player chosen adds an extra element of excitement and difference to the already formulated lists.

1st Taylah – George Fisher
2nd Jarrad – Temalisi Fakahokotau
3rd Sophie – Steph Wood

George Fisher

Still somewhat of an up and coming player, Fisher is an exciting goaler that oozes class and skill under the post. She uses her taller frame to command the ball consistently inside the goal circle and most importantly is accurate to post. not often overawed by the challenge Fisher uses her netball smarts to think her way through the defensive pressure and use her angles and footwork to keep defenders at bay. The England Roses youngster has proven on more than one occasion that she has the star power and know how to control the airwaves and ride through the physicality to prevail time and time again. Although she is more of a close range shooter, there is no denying that Fisher has plenty of versatility able to get on the move inside the circle or hold strong to reel in the long looping passes. She is a real ball magnet when on song and will provide that easy get out of jail free card for Taylah’s side. Already boasting a number of tall and nimble goalers such as Gretel Bueta and Cara Koenen, Fisher will provide that element of stability and ease inside the goal circle given her proficiency to post and height able to come on and impact the play.

2020 VNSL stats:
131 goals (92 per cent), 4 rebounds

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Temalisi Fakahokotau

A real livewire down in defence with her tenacity and fire power Fakahokotau brings plenty of excitement to an already stacked defensive unit. The goal keeper can explode out of the blocks with her aerial ability second to none and defensive pressure enough to get in the head of her opponents and knock them off their game. She provides a wealth of energy and leadership able to bark orders as the game unfolds in front of her and most importantly is a smooth mover capable of going out hunting for the cross-court ball. A more physical style of defender that thrives on that one-on-one hustle under the post Fakahokotau is not often beaten and utilises her strength and classy footwork to dance around her opponents. Her rebounding skill is another key component of her game play given her elevation and read of the play. Having already selected Jane Watson in his team the acquisition of Fakahokotau was an easy choice for Jarrad given their connection at the Mainland Tactix and impressive combination to seamlessly roll through the defensive goal circle.

2020 ANZ Premiership stats:
22 intercepts, 70 deflections, 16 rebounds

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Steph Wood

The Australian Diamonds goal attack, is a smooth mover that boasts a wealth of tricks. She is able to shoot from the perimeter or under the post making her a real threat from anywhere inside the circle. Not only is she damaging in the goal circle but so too out the front with her silky hands and high netball nous allowing her to set up a plethora of attacking forays to keep defenders guessing. She is a highly elusive player that can change the course of a game in an instant with her clever drives and impressive ball placement while her skill on the second phase play is equally as exciting. Wood can thread the needle like no other with her pin point precision passes a focal point of her game play. she is a reliable and steady stream of goals and will complement a strong attacking unit in Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Maia Wilson while also boasting that element of versatility to swing into wing attack when needed.

2020 SSN stats:
236 goals (72 per cent), 56 super shots (59 per cent), 6 rebounds

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All three players hail from different leagues but have one thing in common and that is their ability to come on and have a profound impact. The two goalers in Wood and Fisher go about their business completely differently given their varying height and roles in the goal circle with the latter a staple under the post and the former a moving target. Both will play crucial roles in shaking up their respective sides with their injection of accuracy and volume. For Jarrad’s team the inclusion of Fakahokotau means another ball winning option to accompany Watson and Shamera Sterling showcasing just how much defensive talent and depth he has at his disposal.

To catch up on the rest of the selections, tune into our other episodes:

Centre
Goal shooter
Wing attack
Wing defence
Goal attack
Goal defence
Goal keeper
Centre Pass Podcast Bench 1
Centre Pass Podcast Bench 2
Centre Pass Podcast Bench 3

Click here to listen: Centre Pass Podcast Bench 4