THE Victorian Netball League (VNL) is almost back for 2021 and with that comes plenty of excitement. After missing out on playing in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this season will be a great opportunity for some young developing players and more experienced talent to take to the court and ply their trade. We take a look at one potential game changer from each side ahead of Round 1.

Ariels

Rahni Samason is an exciting prospect for the Ariels heading into season 2021 given her ability to dazzle under the post and command the ball. Having trained with the Melbourne Vixens in the past, Samason has plenty of tricks of the trade and will be eager to stamp her authority on the competition with her silky movement and accuracy to post. With her height under the post, Samason is able to command the ball but is also not afraid to get on the move and work to open up the angles inside the circle.

Boroondara Express

Exciting midcourter Hannah Mundy could be one to watch for Boroondara Express this season. Signing on as a training partner with Melbourne Vixens for the upcoming season, the quick-footed and clever midcourter is more than capable of changing the course of a game in an instant. She is a real livewire that delivers at 110 per cent and is never out of the contest, using her fancy footwork to dart around circle edge and re-position to give her goalers the best chance of scoring.

Casey Demons

A consistent presence inside the goal circle, Emma Ryde will be a key cog for the Demons heading into their second official season. Ryde is incredibly strong under the post using her extra height to dominate inside the ring. Her reach and stature enable her to dictate the flow in attack while her ability to score quickly is another key component in her gameplay. Keep an eye out for her this season given her added experience, having taken the court at Suncorp Super Netball level in patches last season.

City West Falcons

There are multiple players that could take the mantle as game changer for City West Falcons, however the most prominent option is Sri Lankan goal shooter Tharjini Sivalingam. The tallest goaler in the league, Sivalingam can score with relative ease and relishes the silver service she gets from her midcourt enabling her to hold space and score. She is not afraid to take full advantage of her height and utilise her positioning along the baseline to edge closer to the post.

Geelong Cougars

The highly talented Brooke Allan will be out to impress this year, with her read of the play and spatial awareness both prominent features in her game play. Able to cover the court well given her height and speed, Allan is a real threat down back for the Cougars. Her lean over the shot, deceptive closing speed and physicality enable her to reel in errant passes and clog up space to reclaim possession and halt the opposition in their tracks. Allan is a real excitement machine with her tenacity and constant niggle often causing headaches for goalers as she breaks down teams’ attacking forays.

Hawks Netball

It is hard to go past the services of Natalie Billings with the Hawks goaler a stalwart inside the circle. Boasting excellent timing, accuracy and strong hands on the take, Billings is capable of withstanding the physical barrage from opponents to keep the scoreboard ticking over for the Hawks. Her movement inside the circle is strong and so too is her accuracy, with the goaler able to effectively ply her trade and consistently evade opposition defence.

Melbourne University Lightning

The experience of Shae Brown could be a real game changer for Melbourne University Lightning given her years at the elite level and overall smarts to stay composed when under pressure. A traditional midcourter, Brown also has the capacity to float into the goal circle to utilise her zippy footwork and crafty leads to create space under the post. Brown is incredibly handy around circle edge and is strong on the take, not often outmuscled which enables her to claim prime feeding position.

North East Blaze

After getting a gig with Collingwood Magpies in 2020, Nyah Allen proved to be a skilful and crafty mover across the court. Playing with North East Blaze this season the young goaler will be hoping to implement her experience and make a real name for herself. Able to both score from range and position right under the post, Allen is a real livewire who can zip around the court and use her front cuts and baseline drives to free herself up and attack the scoreboard. Allen also possesses great playmaking skills, able to see the game unfold in front of her and release the ball with great accuracy to the advantage of her teammates.

Peninsula Waves

It would be remiss to not suggest that Sharni Norder (nee Layton) will be a real gamechanger for the Waves this season. Peninsula struggled in 2019, but the added defensive presence Norder will bring down back is second to none. Her read of the play, physicality and all-round strength is unquestionable, and pair that with her nifty footwork and sheer experience, and she will be a wall in that defensive third.

Wilson Storage Saints

Goaler Sinead Lumsden has been a crucial cog over the years for the Saints and this season will be no different as she looks to get more wins on the scoreboard for her side. She is a smooth mover under the post and can shake up her game accordingly. Lumsden is composed under pressure and can shoot from range making her a handy prospect for the Saints as they gear up for an action packed season.