THE Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) is already home to a number of international stars making it one of the strongest netball competitions in the world. However, we as the Draft Central team are creating a list of top 10 players we would like to see join the competition. Coming in at number one is star goaler Ameliaranne Ekenasio.

An ex-Australian netball and dual citizenship holder, Ekenasio is a talented goaler and current captain of the New Zealand Silver Ferns, making her the ultimate “the one who got away” for the Aussies. With speed, resilience and volume to boot, Ekenasio has really come into her own over the past few years playing alongside Maria Folau for the Ferns and was part of the history making Central Pulse grand final victory in 2019. Another player who has played for an Australian domestic competition throughout her career – albeit during the ANZ Championship which saw Australia and New Zealand compete with and against each other – Ekenasio has shot herself to stardom since settling in New Zealand credit to her cleanliness with ball in hand and ability to provide crucial scoreboard pressure. The ex-Queensland Firebirds product has flourished and played a crucial role in the 2019 Netball World Cup where the Ferns took home gold against the Aussies.

The versatile goaler can ply her trade both beside and away from the post, and is a crucial option with her quick feet and positioning which sees her evade defenders again and again. Her strong work ethic sees her constantly improving and able to impact the play even when she  may not have her eye in, and as a commanding presence on court, she is a constant threat with plenty of tricks up her sleeve. At only 29-years-old, Ekenasio is really in her prime and has made big strides through her career over the past few years and plenty left in the tank for a potential return to the Australian competition. Her excellent vision both on and off the ball has seen her become a massive threat in the goal circle, and with impressive timing and aerial ability she will continue to be that huge threat in the coming years.

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Top 10 players we’d like to see in the SSN:

#10 Joice Takaidza (Zimbabwe)
#9 Zanele Vimbela (South Africa)
#8 Joyce Mvula (Malawi)
#7 Razia Quashie (England)
#6 George Fisher (England)
#5 Fran Williams (England)
#4 Maia Wilson (New Zealand)
#3 Jade Clarke (England)
#2 Jane Watson (New Zealand)
#1 Ameliaranne Ekenasio (New Zealand)