WITH the 2020 season of the Vitality Netball Superleague now upon us, we take a look at each team heading into a massive year in Superleague netball. The first team in our season preview is Celtic Dragons.
Coach: Tania Hoffman
2019 finish: 7th (6-12)
While their win-loss record may not show it, the Dragons really lifted in 2019 with six wins on the board, well and truly beating their prior record of six wins across three season. Their defensive unit was solid throughout the season with a real focus in the goal third, making the side a real competitor with improved connections and consistency to boot.
2020 predictions:
The Dragons will hope to elevate once more in 2020 and start the season from the get-go to ensure they one-up 2019 and utilise all their new pickups. With two Jamaicans in Latanya Wilson and Rebekah Robinson joining the fray this season, both the attacking and defensive ends will have some real talent to work with. Wilson announced herself on the international stage during the Nations Cup tournament with the talented defender able to come on and have an immediate impact with her three-foot marking and deceptive speed. The side may need to keep track of their changes however, because with plenty of new names taking the court it could make it tough to develop that one starting seven line-up that they need to cement early.
Key player: Dee Bolakoro GD/GK
Dee Bolakoro was a stalwart player down back for the Dragons in 2019, with her wingspan and aerial ability a real game-changer for the side at the defensive end. With an innate ability to find the ball and long arms to scoop up loose ball, the Fijian made a case for herself in 2019 and while she is not the tallest defender out there she was able to have a real impact both inside and outside the goal circle. With another season under her belt expect Bolakoro to take her game play to another level and really become an enforcing figure down back, confusing space with her quick and decisive movement.
Team list:
Dee Bolakoro
Abby Tyrrell
Paige Kindred (Manchester Thunder)
Amy Clinton (Loughborough Lightning)
Sophie Morgan
Rebekah Robinson (Jamaica)
Latanya Wilson (Jamaica)
Shona O’Dwyer (Severn Stars)
Rhian Evans
Brittany Coleman
Eleri Michael
Laura Burton
Lucy Howells
Annie O’Rourke
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