WHILST the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season was completed last month, the postseason content does not stop with our positional analysis series up next. It is time to take a look at centres, with two highly versatile midcourters in the mix in Melbourne Vixens premiership captain, Kate Moloney and Adelaide Thunderbirds livewire Maisie Nankivell.

KATE MOLONEY (C)

The Melbourne Vixens captain is one of the most consistent centres across the SSN, using her turn of speed and defensive mindset to continuously impact play both on and off the ball to create turnovers and propel the ball forward time and again. The versatile midcourter can ultimately switch between all three centre-court positions, although there is no doubt she is at her most potent in centre using her leadership skills to forge connections and utilise her zippy movement. With excellent vision and that ball-winning mentality, Moloney is a reliable player who many not be the flashiest, but goes about her game with a team-first approach and willingness to contest every ball that comes her way.

MAISIE NANKIVELL (C/WD/WA)

An exciting young prospect who just completed her first full season at SSN level, there is no doubt Nankivell burst onto the scenes in 2020 with her hunt and continuous development paying off. With plenty of tenacity and that aforementioned versatility, Nankivell is a constant threat around the court with her ability to adjust within a split second and transition between attack and defence seamlessly. Nankivell’s clean hands and footwork allow her to find plenty of space and create forward forays, while her read of the play and great endurance sees the midcourter continue to perform even when out of position. Her strength is another key element in her game play, not often outmuscled around circle edge.

COMPARISON

When it comes to versatile midcourters, Moloney and Nankivell are two significant names that pop up given their ability to rotate and adjust seamlessly. While Moloney typically does not find herself moving positions as much anymore, the former wing defence still possesses that same defensive mind and can adapt to the situation seamlessly. While her rotation into attack is not required too often given the ability of Liz Watson up forward, Moloney has showcased an ability to take on the attacking load when required and proved she is more than capable of playing out the front.

Looking to Nankivell, the centre supplied plenty of rotation this season with her transition between positions rarely noticeable given her adaptability and quick thinking on the fly. Like Moloney, Nankivell tended to stand back and supply more of a defensive impact than forward, but consistently stepped up in attack with her strong drives and ability to spot players on the lead.

Looking to how the two players command the ball, and there are some significant differences there with Moloney typically utilising her run and gun movement to zip down the court, while Nankivell is more of the re-offering type, patiently working the ball down to attack. Both players apply excellent three foot defending and hands over pressure, but while Moloney employs a tight one-on-one defence through the centre, Nankivell is a fraction more loose on the body which enables her to fly for the loose ball.

Overall, both players are hugely significant to their respective teams, consistently finding the ball and providing excellent links between the attack and defence. Both players have that mental toughness, stamina and endurance to boot, and are hugely reliable in whichever role they take on given their adaptability and team first mentality. Both in different stages of their careers – Moloney being the more seasoned campaigner while Nankivell is still a young up-and-comer – there is no doubt the two centres supply plenty of talent and excitement to their respective teams and will continue to do so in 2021.

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Moloney excited for grand final challenge // Diamond Liz Watson focused on Super Netball success with Melbourne Vixens

Draft Central Courtside comments: Round 1 – Maisie Nankivell