WITH a split round of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) action, only two games played out this week with both the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball claiming huge wins in their respective outings. In this series, Draft Central will look at five key learnings from the round whether it be consistent themes or standout performances.

Amy Parmenter is Diamonds ready

There is no denying that Amy Parmenter is a fan favourite and this game could quite easily make her a favourite with Diamonds selectors with the wing defence putting on a spectacle. Parmenter amassed two intercepts, eight deflections and three pick-ups showcasing her ability to hustle hard for the ball and class to be a frequent threat. Her closing speed and tenacity was also on full display from the get-go as she did not let up for the GIANTS especially in the defensive third. Parmenter used her nimbleness to her full advantage around circle edge to cleanly contest for ball and disrupt the attacking momentum with deflections aplenty. Her connection with April Brandley was also exciting to watch as the pair ran riot down back cherry picking intercepts and turning ball over.

Maddie Hay is an unsung hero for the GIANTS

Stepping up to the plate last season, Maddie Hay has come along in leaps and bounds in season 2021 with her ball placement and second phase depth highly important. Although she does not receive a wealth of accolades for her workload, she is an integral member in the GIANTS frontend with her ability to sight both Jo Harten and Sophie Dwyer in the circle. She is incredibly crafty with ball in hand to avert the opposition and deliver accurate passes which was on show throughout the Round 8 clash as she racked up a team-high 18 goal assists. Hay is not the quickest player out on court but her work around circle edge, use of angles and overall smarts enables the GIANTS to tick along in attack. She balances the attacking third out with Jamie-Lee Price who is more defensively minded which was on show throughout their clash.

Queensland Firebirds are going to miss finals if they continue on this trajectory

Having built up fans hopes last season, the Queensland Firebirds have been unable to hit their straps this season and this game was no different. Blown away in the third quarter, limited to a mere nine goals in comparison to 18 by the opposition, the Firebirds lack of potency in attack despite having Romelda Aiken, Gretel Bueta and Tippah Dwan at their disposal. The trio simply could not get enough chances to look at the post with the defensive unit in Kim Jenner, Tara Hinchliffe and even Rudi Ellis unable to win back enough ball to give the Firebirds a chance to reduce the margin. There seemed to be a missing link in intensity for the Firebirds as they struggled to kick it up a gear and stick with the Swifts.

Proud and Hadley are a winning combination

It was a comprehensive performance from Maddy Proud and Paige Hadley as the duo held down the midcourt with great ease. Proud got the run out in centre and did not disappoint with her high level stamina, silky movement and attacking nous enabling her to hit circle edge time and time again. Playing out in wing defence the past couple of rounds, Hadley found herself at home in wing attack and really helped to shoulder the load for the Swifts who struggled the week before. Her drive and cleanliness with ball in hand allowed the Swifts to transition into attack easily. But the most impressive part was the understanding that Proud and Hadley both have to flick the ball around circle edge to keep the defenders heads on a swivel.

Thunderbirds prove sloppy in attack

Boasting a relatively inexperienced attacking unit, the Adelaide Thunderbirds were well and truly exposed by the GIANTS expertise down back and through the midcourt. Maisie Nankivell was a main culprit for the Thunderbirds’ shortcomings with the newly appointed wing attack giving away a whopping 11 penalties and 10 general play turnovers. She was not alone however as Elle McDonald coughed up the ball four times in her 34 minutes as Georgie Horjus and Lenize Potgieter finished with three turnovers apiece. The Thunderbirds inability to close out the deal when defensive ball was won back really cost them as they sunk to a whopping 16 goal loss.

Photo credit: Mark Evans