WITH netball done and dusted for 2020, the Centre Pass Podcast team has decided to create a Fantasy Netball 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 and given the high calibre of players to choose from, each person will have a 12 player roster to fill out and one player each per position will be selected and discussed each episode. The first edition begins with centre as Sophie Taylor, Jarrad Gardner and Taylah Melki explain their selections, with picks eligible from across the netball world and not limited to Suncorp Super Netball players.

Picks:

1st Sophie Taylor – Serena Guthrie
2nd Taylah Melki – Kim Ravaillion
3rd Jarrad Gardner – Paige Hadley

There is no shortage of A-list centres and with no restrictions in terms of international players it broadened the pool even more. The recent retirement of netball superstar Laura Langman meant she was unable to be selected however that still left a number of viable options from around the world. The team considered a couple of key attributes such as endurance, versatility and cleanliness with ball in hand as shown through the selections made by each individual.

The statistics included reflect the last full season each respective player played in, not including any international commitments. However, as the VNSL does not have any statistics prior to 2020, Guthrie’s numbers are from her 2018 season with the GIANTS in the Suncorp Super Netball.

Serena Guthrie:

Handed the first selection, it was almost impossible for Sophie to go past the likes of Guthrie who, despite taking last year off, is still a world-class talent. Oozing nothing but athleticism and excitement, Guthrie is one of those players that can change the course of a game in an instant given her impressive court coverage. She is a real energiser bunny that has an impressive leap and is not afraid to throw her body at absolutely everything. Guthrie is never far from the contest and is a real livewire whenever she steps out on court especially when it comes to defence, able to rip the ball out of midair and send it spiralling back down the court. The 30-year-old also boasts a wealth of versatility given her defensive tendencies to slide back into wing defence when needed.

2018 stats:

373 feeds, 195 goal assists, 24 intercepts, 54 deflections

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Kim Ravaillion:

Although she did not take the court in 2020 after giving birth to her daughter at the start of the year, Ravaillion is a dynamic A-list talent. One of the most consistent players when it comes to her ability to cover the court and run all day, it was an easy choice for Taylah. While not the flashiest player it is her hard work and impressive work rate that stands out able to run both ways and have a profound impact especially in defence. Ravaillion is a dogged style of centre, able to chip away at her opponents and is a smooth mover able to glide around the court with great ease. Similar to Guthrie she can slot back into that wing defence position when called upon, however she does her most damage through the centre with her long bombs and high releases into the circle.

2019 stats:

184 feeds, 98 goal assists, seven intercepts, 17 deflections

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Paige Hadley:

After another strong season with the NSW Swifts, Jarrad quickly swooped on the services of the highly versatile Hadley. A primed and ready to go midcourter that is able to play all three positions of wing attack, centre and wing defence it was a no brainer given the high calibre type of player she is. Hadley is a smooth mover who is incredibly strong around circle edge, able to ward off the prying arms of defenders. She has impressive bursts of speed and is a steady head able to weave the ball down the court and constantly re-assess her options to ensure that the best decision is made. Given her high netball nous, Hadley can seamlessly switch from a more defensive mindset to an attacking one instantaneously making her a highly talented player.

2020 stats:

273 feeds, 163 goal assists,  13 intercepts, 20 deflections

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The centre position is a crucial element in any side as it links the defensive and offensive ends, thus a lot of pressure is placed on finding the right player that can connect both units. Their role typically lies in being that supplementary feeder allowing the wing attack to lead the way in the attacking third while their role defensively can often be to clog up space and apply strong hands over pressure. All three people chose highly versatile players that are able to rotate through the midcourt, boast a high level of endurance and have some form of international experience. Although both Guthrie and Ravaillion have been away from the elite level for a while that is no knock on their sheer star power and stamina.

Tune in to hear the full explanation surrounding our selections, the alternative selections considered and who could still be picked up when we get to the bench.

Full episode: Centre