THERE were plenty of contentious decisions in this week’s Draft Central Team of the Week with Shamera Sterling getting the nod over fan-favourite Geva Mentor, while wins to the Melbourne Vixens and GIANTS Netball got them two nominees each. Round 11 brought some tantalising battles and impressive performances once again with a few players returning for consecutive weeks.

GK: Shamera Sterling (Adelaide Thunderbirds)

The young Jamaican defender put on a masterclass in the goal circle with her defensive prowess on full display against fellow Sunshine Girl teammate Shimona Nelson. Sterling caused plenty of confusion in the goal circle and forced hesitation from the Magpies feeders credit to aerial ability and talent. The goal keeper contested each and every ball, used her footwork to get cleanly around the body of her opponent while also getting timely tips to regain possession for the Thunderbirds. She worked tirelessly all match to spur the Thunderbirds on with her imposing figure, jump and ability to read the play a real feature of her game ending the match with 11 gains, five intercepts, 14 deflections and five rebounds.

GD: Karla Pretorius (Sunshine Coast Lightning)

It is no surprise that Karla Pretorius has made her way into the Team of the Week once again off the back of yet another incredible performance. The talented goal defence was a key cog down back for the Lightning injecting herself into the game when needed credit to her read of the play, go-go gadget arms and speed off the mark. She single handily pulled her team back into the game with some match saving intercepts while her work off the ball was equally as impressive working well in tandem with Phumza Maweni and confusing the space. Pretorius finished the match with seven gains, six intercepts and four deflections.

WD: Ash Brazill (Collingwood Magpies)

The Magpies midcourter left no stone unturned competing hard for every ball and using her athletic ability to her full advantage throughout the course of the game. Brazill is a real workhorse for Collingwood credit to her ability to inject herself into the game and pose a dominant threat across all areas of the court. her drive through the midcourt is a real feature of her game play while her defensive pressure is equally as important with her three-foot marking and ability to cover her opponents every move. She racked up three gains, three intercepts and three deflections credit to her skill and timing.

C: Jamie-Lee Price (GIANTS Netball)

Jamie-Lee Price has gone from strength to strength throughout the season earning herself the nod at centre this week. The GIANTS centre showcased her skill around the circle edge with her ability to hit the top with precision and pace. She provided good ball into shooting duo Caitlin Bassett and Jo Harten with 25 feeds and 17 goal assists highlighting her ability to create scoring opportunities for her side. While her attacking work was solid her defensive pressure was also pivotal with three deflections, three pick-ups and one gain.

WA: Liz Watson (Melbourne Vixens)

The wing attack lifted her intensity throughout the match dominating in the attacking third with her strong hands, quick feet and clever ball movement. Watson put on a clinic for the Melbourne Vixens using her pace and vision to dice through the opposition defence and deliver the ball into Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip. Her strength to fight for prime position on the circle edge is second to none leading the way for the Vixens with 33 goal assists along with two deflections, one intercept and one gain.

GA: Jo Harten (GIANTS Netball)

The English international once again highlighted her shooting prowess to shoot from anywhere in the circle. Her commanding presence and confidence to post was near unstoppable throughout the round getting another nomination in our Team of the Week credit to her silky movement and accuracy to post. Harten outscored goal shooter, Bassett piling on 33 goals from 39 attempts at 85 per cent. Her work out the front was also important for the GIANTS racking up 10 goal assists and three deflections.

GS: Sam Wallace (NSW Swifts)

Wallace shouldered the load in the goal circle for the Swifts piling on 36 goals from 37 attempts at an impressive 97 per cent. The Trinidad goal shooter oozed plenty of composure unfazed by the physical pressure applied by Pretorius and Maweni. She stood up to the occasion each and every time the ball came her way, finding good space under the post and using her athleticism to reign in passes. She showcased her range throughout the match stepping out of her comfort zone while also using her holds to secure space under the post.

BENCH: Gretel Tippett (Queensland Firebirds), Kate Moloney (Melbourne Vixens), Geva Mentor (Collingwood Magpies)

There were plenty of players fighting for positions in Round 11’s Team of the Week with Gretel Tippett, Kate Moloney and Geva Mentor all narrowly missing out on the start but earning a spot on the bench. After copping a knock to the nose Tippett returned to the court with a vengeance and did not miss a shot nailing 23 goals straight. She steered the ship in attack for the Queensland Firebirds with her attacking flair on full display setting up goals for Romelda Aiken and using her explosiveness to exploit the GIANTS defence. Through the midcourt Kate Moloney had another stellar game for the Vixens with her strong defensive pressure and attacking drive. Moloney had 16 goal assists credit to her strong movement in attack and clever passes into the circle. Defensively Geva Mentor put out yet another phenomenal performance for the Magpies who well and truly relished her ability to win ball back. Her silky footwork, strong hands over pressure and attacking intent was second to none amassing a whopping 12 gains, six intercepts, three deflections and five rebounds.