IT IS about three months out from the start of the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season, and to celebrate let us try and predict who might be the first choice starting seven for each of the eight sides in the competition.

In today’s part one, we will take a look at the first four clubs alphabetically – the Thunderbirds, GIANTS, Firebirds and Mavericks – and the other four will feature in tomorrow’s part two.

Adelaide Thunderbirds

GS: Romelda Aiken-George
GA: Lauren Frew
WA: Georgie Horjus
C: Tayla Williams
WD: Latanya Wilson
GD: Matilda Garrett
GK: Shamera Sterling-Humphrey
Interchange: Hannah Petty, Kayla Graham and Lucy Austin

Explanation

The back to back champions have a really settled line up, and it will be surprising if they deviate from that much in 2025.

With the departure of Laura Scherian, Georgie Horjus is needed out at wing attack despite her obvious talents at goal attack, and Lauren Frew can hold her own at goal attack well. Despite being a taller goal attack, she has the speed and flair needed for the role.

GIANTS Netball

GS: Jo Harten
GA: Sophie Dwyer
WA: Maddie Hay
C: Jamie-Lee Price
WD: Amy Sligar
GD: Jodi-Ann Ward
GK: Matilda McDonell
Interchange: Matisse Letherbarrow, Gina Crampton and Erin O’Brien

Explanation

The GIANTS are another side who generally do not like to change things up, but this is down more to stubbornness of those in charge more than having a set line up that consistently chalks up the wins.

It will be interesting to see how the midcourt in particular lines up. The GIANTS have Gina Crampton properly at their disposal this season, and the Kiwi has too much experience to be a benchwarmer so may get more game time than some might expect.

Queensland Firebirds

GS: Mary Cholhok
GA: Tippah Dwan
WA: Macy Gardner
C: Hulita Veve
WD: Imogen Allison
GD: Ruby Bakewell-Doran
GK: Isabelle Shearer
Interchange: Emily Moore, Lara Dunkley and Ash Barnett

Explanation

It is a new era for the Queensland Firebirds, with a new coach at the helm and plenty of new faces.

Although it was not hard to predict the starting seven, with a new coach at the helm it may be wrong as there is no precedence to go off.

With a rock solid wing defence coming into the side in Imogen Allison, this frees up Hulita Veve to play in centre which is arguably her strongest position.

It will be interesting to see who partners Ruby Bakewell-Doran in defence, but since Isabelle Shearer was in the squad last year and Ash Barnett was not, this might be a key factor.

Melbourne Mavericks

GS: Shimona Jok
GA: Sasha Glasgow
WA: Tayla Fraser
C: Molly Jovic
WD: Amy Parmenter
GD: Kim Jenner
GK: Olivia Lewis
Interchange: Eleanor Cardwell, Maisie Nankivell and Lauren Parkinson (nee Moore)

Explanation

The Mavericks are an interesting one. Their debut season was rocked by a number of injuries, but despite all of that they defied expectations and only just missed out on a finals berth.

Assuming that everyone is fit and ready to go for Round 1, their best line up is pretty set and is not too different from last season. Shimona Jok is a rock solid goal shooter, and was a huge boost for the Mavericks in that role last season, and out at goal attack Sasha Glasgow gives the side the pace and agility needed for the role, which is why they both pipped Eleanor Cardwell, who does not seem to have the excitement and flair she used to have.