SSN Team of the Week: Round 13

ROUND 13 of the Suncorp Super Netball saw records broken and players return for consecutive weeks in Draft Central’s Suncorp Super Netball Team of the Week. The Magpies feature three players the most of any other team this rounds credit to their impressive win, while NSW Swifts and West Coast Fever failed to have a player make the side.

GK: Geva Mentor (Collingwood Magpies)

It was a vintage performance from Mentor who completely dominated in the goal keeper position credit to her smothering pressure. Mentor blocked any easy access into the goal circle hunting the crosscourt ball and getting hands to ball time and time again. She took Sam Wallace out of the game pushing her up high and wearing her like a glove to limit her an impact under the post. Mentor created doubt in the feeders’ minds racking up 12 deflections, eight gains and three intercepts while also showcasing her strength and netball nous to claim prime position under the post with two rebounds.

GD: Karla Pretorius (Sunshine Coast Lightning)

Pretorius has become a regular in our Team of the Week thanks to impressive performances throughout the season, and she did not disappoint once again in Round 13. The Lightning goal defence played a huge role in keeping her side within touch throughout the game with her timely tips, read of the play and sheer understanding with teammate Phumza Maweni on when to go and when to drop back. She really worked herself into the match after being well held in the opening term credit to her defensive pressure and commitment to the contest. Pretorius worked effortlessly across the court competing for both the high and low balls while also helping transition through the midcourt. She finished with six gains, five intercepts, three deflections and three pickups.

WD: Amy Parmenter (GIANTS Netball)

She continued her breakout season for the GIANTS with the young wing defence doing a wealth of work across the court to provide that drive through the midcourt as well as defensive pressure. Parmenter put up a strong front throughout the game blocking both Chelsea Pitman and Hannah Petty from hitting the circle edge with ease given her clever footwork and strength off the ball to keep them away. Her hands over pressure was on full display while she also showcased her speed to chase down errant passes and pick up deflections. Parmenter notched up four gains, one intercept and five deflections for the match.

C: Ash Brazill (Collingwood Magpies)

It was another midcourt masterclass from fan favourite Brazill who displayed her full array of tricks. The ball winning, crafty player has well and truly stood up to the plate in the centre position providing strong drives into the attacking third while also not losing her defensive touch amassing two gains, one intercept and four deflections. Her dynamic movement and aerial abilities caused havoc for opponent, Paige Hadley. Brazil lifted her load in the second half after Kelsey Browne went down finding good space to feed into both Shimona Nelson and Nat Medhurst while also varying the passes into the circle to keep the defenders guessing. The makeshift centre took ownership in the attacking third commanding the ball both in the pocket and at the top of the circle racking up a game high 24 goal assists.

WA: Caitlyn Nevins (Queensland Firebirds)

The veteran wing attack showcased that she still has plenty to give despite announcing her retirement with a dominant performance in her sides first win of the season. Nevins was in hot form finding Gretel Tippett, Lenize Potgieter and Romelda Aiken with ease under the post thanks to her impressive vision and quick hands. She tussled hard throughout the match to claim prime position around the circle edge while consistently re-offering to allow the goalers to re-position in the circle. In her second last game Nevins racked up a match high 23 goal assists along with a whopping 36 centre pass receives highlighting her high work rate.

GA: Gretel Tippett (Queensland Firebirds)

Tippet once again steered the ship in attack for the Firebirds showcasing her impressive athleticism and attacking flair throughout the four quarters. Her hot hand was on full display not missing a shot with 30 goals from 30 attempts highlighting her ability to be an imposing force under the post. She shot with confidence backing herself from range while pairing with Aiken and Potgieter seamlessly. The goal attack doing a wealth of work out the front to deliver the ball into her shooting counterparts with 19 goal assists. Tippett also displayed her defensive capabilities picking up two intercepts and two gains to earn another nomination in our Team of the Week.

GS: Shimona Nelson (Collingwood Magpies)

She was a lynchpin in the goal circle for the Magpies controlling the airwaves with her impressive leap and fingertip control. Nelson was not fazed by the defensive pressure of Sarah Klau, Maddy Turner and Katrina Rore standing up to the pressure time and time again. She found good space in the circle holding strong while also getting on the moves at time to varying up her game. Nelson commanded the ball and used her silky footwork to edge herself closer to the post. She capitalised on her opportunities under the post only missing two goals with 52 from 54 attempts at 96 per cent.

BENCH: Shamera Sterling (Adelaide Thunderbirds), Liz Watson (Melbourne Vixens), Peace Proscovia (Sunshine Coast Lightning)

All three players impressed in Round 13 showcasing their class and skill for their respective sides. Shamera Sterling was rumoured to have broken the intercept record with 10 but upon review only managed eight. Despite not breaking the record the Thunderbirds goal keeper but on a stunning display to contest the ball in the air and cause confusion in the circle with her lanky arms and quick feet amassing 12 gains, three rebounds and eight deflections. Liz Watson was her ever-reliable self through the midcourt showcasing her dynamic movement and strength to hit the circle edge with precision. She finished with a game high 28 goal assists from 45 feeds credit to her clever passes into the circle and ability to create space. Lightning goal shooter Peace Proscovia proved to be the difference in the circle coming on with a commanding presence. She only missed one goal after coming on late in the first quarter with 33 from 34 attempts at 97 per cent accuracy, showing composure under the post. Proscovia was unfazed by the physical nature of the game standing up under the pressure and backing herself time and time again.

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