IT has been an unconventional year of netball and as 2020 comes to a close, the Draft Central team casts an eye to the future and which teams we are excited to see take the court for the 2021 season. There have been a number of player changes throughout the offseason across the ANZ Premiership, Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) and Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) with retirements, pregnancies, and injuries impacting some teams. But that does not mean that next year will not be action packed with some fresh faces elevated to full-time rosters and internationals joining new leagues. Kickstarting our countdown at number 10 are the Adelaide Thunderbirds, who have somewhat of a new look team.

The Thunderbirds will be without a couple of key contributors with the likes of co-captain Chelsea Pitman not offered a contract for next season and Kate Shimmin joining the Sunshine Coast Lightning for 2021. England Roses defender Layla Guscoth also departed the club, opting to return home to England to not only play her netball but also ply her trade as a doctor off the court. After somewhat of a rise up the ladder in 2020 and much more improved connections across the court, the Thunderbirds are touted as a highly exciting club heading into 2021. A couple of young faces headline the side with the emergence of Georgie Horjus the key player that comes to mind. The young goaler well and truly took the competition by storm with her smooth movement, accuracy to post and skilful play to dart around the court, catching many defenders off-guard. Another pre-season from Lenize Potgieter and Horjus together could make for an even more damaging duo under the post, with the former rock solid in the goal circle with her accuracy and strong holds.

With Pitman departing, the acquisition of Elle McDonald is huge for the attacking unit. McDonald only had limited minutes throughout the 2020 season with the Melbourne Vixens but definitely proved that a full-time position was warranted with her composed nature on court paramount. She is a real smooth mover that can slot into both centre or wing attack and will definitely be one to watch in the 2021 season, as will Matilda Garrett, who has made the move from Collingwood to Adelaide. A young up and coming defender that oozes plenty of excitement and defensive prowess, Garrett will complement the likes of excitement machine Shamera Sterling and most importantly will be hoping for more regular court time to consolidate her skillset. The Thunderbirds pulled out a real livewire and underrated prospect in Latanya Wilson who will provide another element of x-factor down in defence. She is a ball magnet and is still only very young, therefore exposure at SSN level will only enhance her skillset even more.

Although they have a number of fresh faces joining the fray in 2021, the Thunderbirds ooze plenty of excitement, youth and versatility – making them a real surprise packet for the upcoming 2021 SSN season. They have some real game changers especially in defence with the likes of Sterling, Wilson and the highly versatile duo of Shadine van der Merwe and Maisie Nankivell. They have a solid mix of international experience and raw talent, placing them as underdogs for next season but also exciting prospects.