IN the final round of the home and away season a whopping four Collingwood players made the Draft Central Team of the Week while in their last game retirees, Kim Green and Caitlyn Nevins also slotted into the side. Unfortunately, both the Fever and Vixens did not feature any players in the Team of the Week after suffering 10-goal losses to their respective opponents. Remarkably, six of last week’s starting seven were named once again in our Team of the Week, while a possible eight of 10 were named for the second consecutive week.

GK: Geva Mentor (Collingwood Magpies)

It was another stellar performance for the English international who controlled the airways down in defence and simply created doubt in the goal circle for her opponents. Mentor worked tirelessly throughout the game to cause confusion in the circle and apply strong defensive pressure to deflect passes and pressure the shot. The goal keeper simply denied easy access into the circle for the Vixens while also showcasing her impeccable timing to go out hunting and force turnovers. She racked up three gains, 10 deflections and one rebound for her four quarter effort.

GD: Karla Pretorius (Sunshine Coast Lightning)

The Lightning goal defence put on yet another masterclass in their win against the Thunderbirds. Pretorius displayed her uncanny ability to read the play and pick off passes once again amassing a staggering six intercepts and nine gains. She limited Maria Folau’s opportunity under the post credit to her skill to cause havoc out the front and deny access into the circle. Her quick movement and ability to stay away from the whistle earnt her another spot in the Draft Central Team of the Week.

WD: Kim Ravaillion (Collingwood Magpies)

In her new-found position Ravaillion completely owned her opposition in Liz Watson and Kate Moloney. The wing defence well and truly relished the opportunity to ply her defensive trade to cover her opponents every move. She showcased her sheer endurance, running Moloney and Watson off their feet with her off the body work and skill to clog up space. Although she did not rack up the defensive stats her work through transition was equally important to the Magpies win notching up six centre pass receives and two pick-ups.

C: Ash Brazill (Collingwood Magpies)

For her third week in a row Brazill has made the Team of the Week credit to her ability to tear games wide open with her athleticism. Brazill is no stranger to the big stage standing up in the past couple of rounds to guide her team to victory and Round 14 was no different with the centre taking full control across the court. She showcased both her attacking and defensive intent with two intercepts, three gains and three deflections while her vision into the circle was on full display racking up 18 goal assists from 22 feeds.

WA: Caitlyn Nevins (Queensland Firebirds)

In her last game, Nevins left no stone unturned using her dynamic movement and cleverly placed feeds to deliver the ball into the circle. Her timing was on point throughout the game hitting the circle edge with precision and strength time and time again. Though she had a shaky start to the game she quickly flipped the script and proved to be a real playmaker in the attacking third for the Firebirds with a game-high 27 feeds. Her second phase work was second to none with the wing attack utilising her netball smarts and strong drives to open space up.

GA: Gretel Tippett (Queensland Firebirds)

The Firebirds goal attack put on another masterclass in the shooting circle taking command and proving to be a dangerous threat for her opposition defenders. Tippett forced a multitude of changes to the Swifts defensive end with Katrina Rore, Maddy Turner and Sarah Klau all struggling to combat her aerial strength and physical nature. She only missed two goals for the game slotting 33 goals from 25 attempts at 94 per cent. Her drive and dynamic movement in the attacking third caused havoc for the Swifts while her understanding with Romelda Aiken proved to be too strong.

GS: Shimona Nelson (Collingwood Magpies)

The young goal shooter impressed from the first whistle reigning in high balls and standing up to the challenge, soaking up the pressure and backing herself in the goal circle. Nelson displayed her aerial strength to pull in ball and made the most of her opportunities under the post slotting 42 goals from 47 attempts at 89 per cent. She was confident to post and varied her game style throughout the game both holding and moving in the circle to pose a dominant threat for Emily Mannix and Kadie-Ann Dehaney.

BENCH: Shamera Sterling (Adelaide Thunderbirds), Kim Green (GIANTS), Sam Wallace (NSW Swifts)

Each player impressed for their respective side but were up against tough competition pushing them to the bench in the final game of the home and away season. Sterling is no stranger to the Draft Central Team of the Week racking up yet another nomination credit to her defensive prowess. The Adelaide Thunderbirds goal keeper put on a show early winning plenty of ball back and imposing herself on the contest with eight gains, five intercepts, 10 deflections and one rebound. Through the midcourt Kim Green oozed class and composure feeding the ball into the circle with ease and precision while also driving hard to the top of the circle. Her attacking work was on full show with 21 feeds while her defensive pressure also stepped up a notch collecting two intercepts and two gains. In the goal circle Sam Wallace stood strong posting 43 goals from 45 attempts at 96 per cent. She showed good strength under the post to hold strong and keep her composure despite the defensive pressure applied on her.