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 next team in our season preview is London Pulse.
Coach: Sam Bird
2019 finish: 10th (2-16)
Pulse struggled to find form in their inaugural superleague season, finding it tough to compete for four quarters and ultimately were unable to live up to the hype of some of their key players. While they had some great patches that proved they had plenty in them, their experienced players did not stand up when required making it tough for the young talent to take hold of opportunities. One thing the Pulse missed last season was the consistency, with players rotating in and out of the side from injury making it tough to eliminate issues week in and week out.
2020 predictions:
Pulse are well and truly in need of a fresh start and will hope to do just that with a new-look side on the cards for 2020. With some big domestic and international pickups the side is looking for an immediate look in to the 2020 season, though fans will hope they don’t go the same way as their 2019 side which, despite key signings, was unable to compete consistently. The Pulse will need to make sure they create a star team rather than a team of star players if they want to make a real mark on the competition.
Key pick-up: Sigi Burger GS (Surrey Storm)
The addition of South African goaler Sigi Burger this season is sure to have an immediate impact, with the goal shooter having a stellar 2019 season with the Storm, making for another big season with her ability to find space. Despite standing at 194cm, Burger has the versatility to switch up her position and create opportunities thanks to her accuracy and confidence to post. Burger will hope to combine well with Chiara Semple in goals, with the pair needing to create a formidable duo to turn the 2019 season on its head.
Team list:
Adean Thomas (Jamaica)
Chiara Semple
Halimat Adio
Kate Lloyd (New Zealand)
Kira Rothwell
Lindsay Keable (Saracens Mavericks)
Michelle Drayne (Saracens Mavericks)
Olivia Tchine
Sigi Burger (Surrey Storm)
Zara Everitt (Loughborough Lightning)
Ashleigh Dekker
Funmi Fadoju
Monique Thompson
Ellie Rattu
Emma Thacker
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