The South African defender is as reliable as they come and helps provide defensive midcourt support for other international players in Shamera Sterling and Layla Guscoth. Clearly the strength of the side, Van der Merwe adds to that talent back there and while last year she was just a permanent replacement player, she showed more than enough to get another chance in 2020. Previously running out with Surrey Storm in the Vitality Netball Superleague, Van Der Merwe stepped up to the Suncorp Super Netball and has not looked back.

Her versatility is what makes her such an exciting prospect for the Thunderbirds with the talented South African able to seamlessly transition from wing defence into circle defence such is her high netball IQ. Van der Merwe is lightning quick across the court and applies a wealth of physical pressure on the ball carrier while her hands over pressure enables her to create doubt in the feeders minds and force turnovers. She is an asset through the midcourt able to transition the ball from defence into attack with her strong drives and vision.