IN each Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) round we will identify one key match-up and provide an in-depth analysis of both players and compare the two styles. In this edition, we take a look at Jamaican counterparts, 2018 Most Valuable Player (MVP) and leading goalscorer, Jhaniele Fowler going up against newcomer to the SSN, Shamera Sterling.

Adelaide Thunderbirds v. West Coast Fever

SHAMERA STERLING (GK) v. JHANIELE FOWLER (GS)

This could quite easily be one of the most exciting match-ups of the round with youngster Shamera Sterling set to face Jamaican teammate Jhaniele Fowler in her first official outing at Suncorp Super Netball level.

Sterling is 190cm and offers great athleticism in the defence end for the Thunderbirds. She has an impressive reach and good lean over the shot to help intimidate the shooter but most importantly she is not afraid to hunt the ball. She is surprisingly quick off the mark and works hard to win position under the post to push the shooter out of their shooting zone. Sterling uses her impressive leap to get to those high balls and can control the airways, picking off anything that comes her way.

Fowler is arguably the most prolific shooter in the competition and is renowned for her amazing ability to shoot quickly and accurately making her the go-to-girl for the Fever. Standing at 198cm Fowler uses her wingspan to control high balls and commands the space with her strength and holding ability. She also oozes composure under pressure and has great athleticism for someone her height, using her leap to her advantage. Fowler is able to withstand the pressure from defenders and often unfazed by the physicality of her opponents.

With both players sharing similar attributes in regards to height and athleticism it will be a great contest with the two vying for position under the ring. You can almost guarantee that Sterling will contest every high ball into Fowler using her leap and read of the play to attack the hands to try and force a deflection or dropped ball. Sterling is quite agile and likes to confuse the space meaning Fowler will have to make strong clear holds if she is to remain her dominant self under the post in this game. The Thunderbirds will be looking for their first win since 2017 and if Sterling can get on top it could go a long way in helping them claim those four points. But Fowler has plenty of experience and accuracy still making her an ominous threat for the Fever even if she is down on her usual shooting load.