THERE are a host of international players across the world that, much like a fine wine, have simply gotten better with age. With netball on hold due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Draft Central takes a look at players that fall into the category of over 30 and still have plenty in the tank given their on-court prowess. In at number seven is Australian Diamonds captain and GIANTS Netball goal shooter, Caitlin Bassett.

Always a dominant figure on court, Bassett’s longevity is a testament to her ability to be a continuous threat inside the goal circle, consistently providing a quality target at the post and using her long arms to pick ball out of the air. While Bassett has had a couple issues with injury over the past year which has slightly impacted on her accuracy, the tall timber is still one of those players you do not want to come up against with her quick hands allowing her to reposition and use her height to advantage in the circle. A short range shooter, Bassett is most comfortable right under the post and with the accuracy she has there and the talent that plays in goal attack alongside her, Bassett does not need to be that long range option in the circle.

While not the most versatile player, the 32-year-old has proven that versatility is not crucial on the netball court with the captain able to use her experience to consistently be a commanding talent in goal shooter, with very little that defenders can do to stop her when she is on song. The graceful goaler is almost unstoppable underneath the post, making her a timeless option as defenders struggle to apply hands over pressure on the shot. Bassett’s presence is so impactful that she cannot be left alone in the circle, and with some threatening goal attacks playing alongside her over the years – the likes of Jo Harten with the GIANTS and both Gretel Bueta and Steph Wood with the Diamonds – she can form a handy option to take some of the pressure away from her teammates.

Bassett’s leadership has shown in spades over the years, with the clean and consistent goaler using her bounds of experience to take on defenders with ease and form a crucial member of any team she plays with. Bassett has a solid rebounding ability with her height and strong hands working wonders and can provide impressive hands over pressure after a turnover, allowing her to win precious ball back for her team and score quickly.

TOP 20 PLAYERS OVER 30:

#20 Stacey Francis (West Coast Fever/England)
#19 Laura Scherian (Sunshine Coast Lightning/Australia)
#18 Ama Agbeze (Severn Stars/England)
#17 Phumza Maweni (Sunshine Coast Lightning/South Africa)
#16 Jade Clarke (Wasps Netball/England)
#15 Chelsea Pitman (Adelaide Thunderbirds/England)
#14 Romelda Aiken (Queensland Firebirds/Jamaica)
#13 Madi Browne (Collingwood Magpies/Australia)
#12 Nat Medhurst (Collingwood Magpies/Australia)
#11 Mwai Kumwenda (Melbourne Vixens/Malawi)
#10 Caitlin Thwaites (Melbourne Vixens/Australia)
#9 Jo Harten (GIANTS Netball/England)
#8 Jane Watson (Mainland Tactix/New Zealand)
#7 Caitlin Bassett (GIANTS Netball/Australia)