THROUGHOUT Diamonds history there have been a host of star players in the goal circle. Since entering a new decade, we found it fitting to rank the top five shooters since 1990 to now. This is an opinion-based article based on the perceptions of the individual writer and how they rank against other goalers. With Gretel Tippett only just bursting on the scene it was hard to fit her into the mix of an already stacked line-up with the likes of Susan Petitt also unlucky to miss out.

#1 Sharelle McMahon

There is no denying that Sharelle McMahon was one in a million with her dynamic game play, explosiveness across the court and sheer accuracy under the post. It was all but a given that any time McMahon had the ball in hand something special was going to happen. Whether it be a beautiful passage of play down the court or long bomb inside the goal circle, she always delivered. The talented shooter oozed class, composure and skill paired with versatility to switch between attack and shooter with ease. Her movement across the court was seamless, able to float in and out of the circle while also proving she was not afraid to take the hard drive and command the ball. McMahon was a real playmaker in the attacking third and was hardly ever beaten by an opponent, combating their every move with her quick footwork, netball nous and silky hands. She had a highly decorated career winning virtually every award available as well as playing a role in three World Cups and four Commonwealth Games highlighting her durability and skill.

#2 Catherine Cox

One of the most notable and experienced goal shooters in the world –  not just Australia. Cath Cox paved the way for many aspiring goalers with her silky movement in the circle, excellent timing and clean hands, hardly ever fumbling a ball. Cox made an impact whenever she entered the court, using her high release to sink long bombs. She was not afraid to back herself from range but was crafty with ball in hand to swing the ball around to edge closer to the post if she saw the opportunity. She averaged over 21 goals per game at an international level and was always reliable under the post thanks to her accuracy. Her career spanned over 16 years, having an influence on both the international and domestic scale and playing in three World Cups and two Commonwealth Games. Her on-court leadership was another key element of her game play, often providing a reassuring presence.

#3 Caitlin Bassett

The current Australian Diamonds captain is one of the most dominant goal shooters and has gone from strength to strength throughout her career. Standing at 196cm the shooter is a formidable force under the post, able to gobble up any passes that come her way thanks to her long reach and height. Bassett’s game has continuously developed throughout her career credit to her netball nous and imposing stature. Previously unable to wear the contact, the goal shooter has taken it all in her stride standing tall and using her body positioning and feet to create space in the goal circle. She is renowned for her accuracy to post and is predominantly a close range shooter not often straying too far from underneath the post. Bassett shot to fame nailing the winning goal in the 2011 World Cup to claim gold, showcasing her composure under pressure.

#4 Caitlin Thwaites

Arguably one of the hardest working and talented shooters Australia has ever seen and despite often playing second fiddle to other goal shooters, Thwaites was a clear impact player. She was extremely reliable, able to come on with a hot hand and score from anywhere in the circle thanks to her impressive range and confidence to post. Her movement across the court was effortless, able to open up space with rolls off the body or well-timed drives. Thwaites could change up her game style with ease, able to switch from the typical holding goal shooter to the more mobile goaler depending on her teammates, making her hard to stop when on song. Her general netball nous was impressive, able to direct traffic in the attacking third and demand the ball under the post. Thwaites was a part of the World Cup winning team in 2011 and also has a Commonwealth Games gold medal to her name.

#5 Nat Medhurst

It is hard to go past the skill and class that is Nat Medhurst, with the talented goal attack renowned for her impressive timing and game play. She is a real mastermind across the court, always three steps ahead of her opponent and using her vision to set up plays  well ahead of the ball. Though she is not renowned for her high volume of shots, her ability to stand up under pressure and convert sets her apart from many other Australian goalers. Medhurst is a cool customer, able to think her way through any situation and most importantly plays a solid support role, able to flick the ball around the circle edge to reposition and take the shot. Her silky footwork and ball speed is second to none, especially when paired with her baseline drives making her near on unstoppable when on song. She is clean with ball in hand and allows her ball placement to do the talking and dictate the space, making her a real threat to be reckoned with.