THE opening round of Suncorp Super Netball saw some big wins and surprises to start the year, with the Adelaide Thunderbirds getting their first win in 27 matches, while the two 2018 grand finalists in Sunshine Coast Lightning and West Coast Fever both lost their first match of the season. Collingwood Magpies had three players make the Draft Central Team of the Week, while the Thunderbirds and NSW Swifts had two players apiece make it onto the list. Melbourne Vixens, GIANTS Netball and Queensland Firebirds all had one standout player, while the Lightning’s disappointing effort against the Magpies left them without a player featured in Round 1.

GK: Shamera Sterling (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
With a phenomenal preseason behind her, Shamera Sterling came out hard and fast in her first game of Suncorp Super Netball. Against the likes of dominant target under the post, Jhaniele Fowler, Sterling proved her ability to prevent entries into the goal circle, with her aerial skills giving her opportunities to deflect and intercept the ball. Her quick feet and great read of the play meant Fowler was constantly under pressure when receiving the ball, while Sterling also used her game smarts to judge whether to hold her position or go for an intercept. With 10 gains, 11 deflections, five intercepts and only one turnover to her name in the first round of the season, Sterling is sure to impress in 2019.

GD: April Brandley (Collingwood Magpies)
April Brandley has been one of the unsung heroes of the Magpies over the past two seasons, putting in the hard yards every game but not necessarily getting the recognition for her impact on the court. Her hunt on the ball was fantastic in combating the speedy, sweeping movement and footwork of Sunshine Coast Lightning shooter, Steph Wood. In the circle Brandley’s hands-over pressure was exceptional, pairing seamlessly with Geva Mentor in goal keeper to keep the Lightning to only 43 goals. With six gains, two intercepts and two rebounds against the reigning two-time premiers, Brandley put in a convincing performance to prove her necessity on court for the Magpies.

WD: Gabi Simpson (Queensland Firebirds)
Despite not getting standout statistics on the board this week, Gabi Simpson was phenomenal in the season opener against the Vixens, holding Liz Watson well and creating opportunities for the Firebirds. Her pressure on both the ball carrier and receiver was second to none, putting in the hard yards off the ball to prevent entries to the goal circle. With the likes of young defenders, Kim Jenner and Tara Hinchliffe behind her, Simpson did a great job at putting her body on the line and leading by example throughout defence. With four deflections on the board, Simpson’s pressure and influence in the goal third was tantamount as she threw herself into every contest.

C: Kim Ravaillion (Collingwood Magpies)
Coming off a slow season in 2018, Kim Ravaillion had a revelatory game on the weekend to prove that the Magpies will be a hard team to beat this season. Lining up against New Zealand Silver Ferns rival Laura Langman, Ravaillion was exceptional in centre as she took on a more defensive role compared to her 2018 play-style. With the likes of Kelsey Browne and Nat Medhurst running rings in attack, Ravaillion had the opportunity to settle into her defensive role and leave the feeding to the attacking midcourters, creating an overall less-crowded approach to the goal third. With five pickups and an intercept for the match, Ravaillion proved she is close to her best form after a solid first round of SSN.

WA: Paige Hadley (NSW Swifts)
Paige Hadley had a great start to the season with another Round 1 win on the board, putting in the hard yards against the likes of Jamie-Lee Price and ultimately getting the upper hand with 25 goal assists from 46 feeds off the goal circle. Hadley’s dominance was clear with her speed and footwork off the transverse line impressive finishing with 29 centre pass receives, the most of any player on court. Her strong leads and ability to create space through the centre third meant the ball moved fluidly down court, pairing well with the likes of Maddy Proud in centre while also managing two pickups, proving her clean movement and ability to reach the loose ball.

GA: Jo Harten (GIANTS Netball)
Jo Harten was among the best on court in Sunday’s match against the Swifts, putting in a great performance in goal attack with Caitlin Bassett at the post. While the likes of Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner were in fine form defensively, Harten did a fantastic job to create opportunities for herself and Bassett in the circle, putting herself in a position to receive the ball to advantage and opening up space. Harten finished strong in her preferred position of goal shooter with 25 goals from 31 attempts at 81 per cent accuracy as well as 12 goal assists, two gains and two intercepts, with Kiera Austin out in goal attack.

GS: Sasha Glasgow (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
With multiple goal shooters in line for Team of the Week selection in the opening round, Thunderbirds goal shooter, Sasha Glasgow has clinched the starting goal shooter bib after a dominant performance saw the Thunderbirds get their first win in two years. Glasgow’s precision and rebounding ability put her on the map in Round 1, pairing well with the experience of Maria Folau to create opportunities in the goal circle. Despite some inaccuracy in the second half, Glasgow showcased her aerial ability and made up for her missed shots with her eight rebounds, shooting a personal best 37 goals from 47 attempts at 79 per cent accuracy.

BENCH: Geva Mentor (Collingwood Magpies), Maddy Proud (NSW Swifts), Caitlin Thwaites (Melbourne Vixens)
A trio of winners make up the Round 1 bench, with the likes of Magpies defender, Geva Mentor, Swifts midcourter, Maddy Proud and Vixens goal shooter, Caitlin Thwaites also putting up strong performances this week. Mentor was her usual classy self against her old club, not missing a beat as she came away with four intercepts, six gains and one pickup. Mentor also finished the game with no obstruction calls or turnovers to her name, proving her influence defensively and creating opportunities downcourt for her new side. Swifts centre, Maddy Proud put in the hard yards on Sunday against the GIANTS, managing four pickups and one gain to go with her 17 goal assists from 27 feeds. Her speed and strength with the ball in hand made her a reliable player to take the ball through the centre third, also doing well to quell the influence of opposition centre, Jamie-Lee Price. With 50 goals from 51 attempts, there is no surprise that Caitlin Thwaites has been named on the bench this week. Thwaites overcame a slow start and used her experience on court to get the upper hand over the Firebirds’ youth in defence, while also putting her agility to the test and running laps around Laura Clemesha during her brief stint on court.