Analysis - The Netball World Cup is an opportunity for players to rise to the occasion under immense pressure.
With an eclectic group of players to choose from, RNZ Netball reporter
Ravinder Hunia gives her top seven game changers to watch in Liverpool.
Shamera Stirling, Jamaica - Goal Keep
Jamaican players are well known for their extremely tall, accurate
shooters but the discovery of Stirling in goal keep has been
instrumental for the Sunshine Girls.
The 23-year-old was sighted on the world stage leaving potential coaches
salivating at her natural ability. Amidst rumours the 23-year-old was
bound for the Southern Steel, the Adelaide Thunderbirds plucked Stirling
from the UK Superleague.
Stirling has helped dig her side out of a hole after the 'Pink Army'
finished last season winless and she currently leads the Australian
competition with the most intercepts, defensive rebounds and
deflections.
With one of the longest wingspans of the tournament, and trademark tips
from behind a player, keep an eye on this fearless defender.
Karla Pretorius, South Africa - Goal Defence
Coached by two of the best in the business, she's recently been dubbed 'the best goal defence in the world'.
Pretorius isn't your traditional defender. She stands at 181cm and says
herself that she has skinny legs and no calves, but nothing and no one
compares to her heart on court.
The 29-year-old is set to play her third World Cup with many of her
international years led by former Australia and current Proteas coach -
Norma Plummer.
She plays goal defence for the Sunshine Coast Lightning under Silver
Ferns coach Noeline Taurua - averaging four intercepts a game - and is
Super Netball's all-time intercept leader with 106.
Unassuming yet tough, Pretorius' netball I.Q. makes her one of the best
readers of the game. Her ability to work one-on-one with a shooters'
movement leads to constantly stopping the ball entering the circle.
Watch for the hunter to pounce at will.
Serena Guthrie, England - Wing Defence
No one has worked harder than England's Serena Guthrie to become one of the most effective wing defence/centres in the game.
The 29-year-old has played in every major league around the world,
including a stint with the Northern Mystics in 2015-16 season, only to
to England to lift the profile of netball in her home country.
The reward has been helping her side to a Commonwealth Games gold medal
last year after beating Australia 52-49 in the final. Now, with the
pinnacle event in her own backyard, Guthrie will be fuelled with
motivation to back it up.
Her 'never give up' attitude for the ball and speed on the drive in a
position that is not thanked enough is when Guthrie is at her best so
expect to see that heightened and watch the way she conducts the play
from the middle.
Laura Langman, New Zealand - Centre
Hailed the best centre in the world, the New Zealand skipper will be
pulling up her white socks for a fourth consecutive World Cup outing.
While experience puts her at the forefront of choices, you'd be hard
pressed to find a fitter, hungrier player than Langman on any court.
The 33-year-old's trademark movement and speed through court - that
leads to impeccable timing on the pass - or feed into shooters is second
to none, not to mention her experience at wing defence giving her
versatility in defence.
Good luck to anyone trying to challenge Langman for her space - you'll find the veteran at the top of the circle.
Kelsey Browne, Australia - Wing Attack
There seems to be a never-ending depth of talent in the world champion
Australian Diamonds camp, and so too the Browne household.
Midcourter Kelsey Browne has filled the shoes of big sister and Diamonds
veteran Madison superbly while forging her own claim as one of the
slickest wing attacks in the world.
Speed, agility and strong determination makes Browne an exciting watch.
After the switch from Taurua's Lightning to the Magpies this year,
Browne has the highest work rate of any wing attack in the Australian
competition, priming her nicely for the World Cup.
The Diamond's will be out to avenge their gold medal loss to England at
last year's Commonwealth Games so expect to see a very fast, punching
display from Browne.
Jo Harten, England - Goal Attack
The Roses captain will want to prove that England's gold medal at last year's Commonwealth Games wasn't a one-off.
Following a similar path to Guthrie, Harten has travelled the world
playing netball and currently plays for the Sydney Giants with attacking
partner and Diamonds goal shoot Caitlin Bassett, who has ultimately
forced her to play goal attack, adding mobility to her game.
Harten's impeccable accuracy on the shot, both short and long is the
frustration of any defender marking her. Composure and experience is
what the Roses bring to the tournament and what the 'Ice Queen' holds in
spades.
Peace Proscovia, Uganda - Goal Shoot
Peace Proscovia's name went into netball folklore after her side's
historic 54-52 win over Malawi at last year's Commonwealth Games.
Captain of the She Cranes, Proscovia was recruited by Noeline Taurua at
the Lightning this season where she has continued to flourish against
the best in the world after her years in the UK Superleague.
Uganda won the African regional qualifiers for a world cup spot, edging out past teams Botswana and Zambia.
While there are many international goal shoot contenders, the
28-year-old brings significant elevation, high-percentage shooting and a
strong stance to hold her place under the hoop and her place in the top
seven.
Comments
Post a Comment