Nat Medhurst names the Super Netball stars going well and those who need to give more at the half way point of the season
We have come to the halfway point of a Super Netball season with plenty of talking points - so who is going well, and who is just going? Nat Medhurst runs her eye over the stars of the game.
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While we’re not quite yet at the halfway point of the Super Netball season, there have been many interesting talking points without the controversies that have plagued the competition over the past few seasons.
We’ve had super stars both re-entering and leaving the competition; scoreline blow outs; one-goal thrillers; standout performances - and some slightly shocking ones.
Netball is a team sport and it takes more than one person to win a game - although the impact of Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard suggests otherwise - there are certainly players who have performed well and others who I believe need to lift, or make some slight adjustments, for their teams.
GOING NICELY
Sarah Klau (Swifts) – Despite leading the competition in contact penalties so far, Klau’s performances, as shown in her round 5 clash against the Vixens with five intercepts, nine gains, 13 deflections and a whopping 149 NetPoints, has seen this “seasoned’ campaigner find another level to her game this season. It can be a fine line between doing enough to niggle and put shooters off their game or providing too much easy access to post – something that may need to be watched when the season gets to the pointy end.
Molly Jovic (Mavericks) – Quite possibly one of the few players who has managed consistent court time across the first two seasons of the Mavericks, but with player disruptions again in season 2025, Jovic has been a solid and consistent performer creating stability and smarts for a team that is struggling to do this.
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard (Fever) – The Fever were winless without her and have won their last three games since she joined them back on court. That alone speaks volumes of her impact on the Fever lineup. It is not only her individual stats – 175 goals in three games at 96.7% (2nd in both of all shooters) and leading the average NetPoints with 122.5 – but also what she does to the players around her and the confidence she brings to her fellow shooters.
Jodi-Ann Ward (Giants) – Dogged in what she is doing in the Giants defence end, Ward’s work rate and ability to win ball particularly in a side that has only managed one win so far, is a testament to her skill as a player. Second for intercepts and top 10 for deflections, I feel Ward is playing her role whilst also working with young players around her in the defensive end.
Hannah Mundy (Vixens) – So far, Mundy’s season averages are well above her career performances, highlighting increased workload and impact in the Vixens attack line. Sitting in the top 4 for both feeds and goal assist and second for centre pass receives, Mundy’s combination and confidence in the Vixens line up continues to improve as consistent court time the past season and a half works in her favour.
Ruby Bakewell-Doran (Firebirds) – Not only as the senior player in the defensive end but also a first time captain for the Firebirds, Bakewell-Doran has impressed early on this season as she adds the pressure of leadership to her role, particularly on the back of tumultuous 2024 season around off-court issues. She comes up against the big name goal attacks and whilst sitting fifth in the league for gains, increasing intercepts will be a key component to keep building on this season as new combinations continue to develop.
NEED TO GIVE MORE
Tippah Dwan (Firebirds) – The Firebirds’ goal attack has been quiet this season. Whilst the injection of Mary Cholhok into their lineup sees a lot of ball going into the height, with that comes extra attention for Cholhok by defenders and what should be more space for Dwan. Previously a player capable of injecting herself into the circle and shooting at ease, she has been far from that this season. Sitting 23rd in the list of all players who have taken the court as a shooter this season for total goals with only 17 to her name, and shooting at only a combined percentage of 57.7%. For anyone, let alone one who has had the sights of international selectors in recent years, that is not good enough. Appreciative that there are concerns about a knee injury but if she is in the team and taking the court, she needs to
be far more demanding, assertive, creative and confident when she dons the bib.
Matilda Garrett (Thunderbirds) – With the loss of Shamera Sterling-Humphrey from this Thunderbirds line up, it certainly changes the dynamics of their defensive structure but with it, an opportunity for players to step out her shadows and show what they can do. Garrett is one of these players. She features heavily in stats relating to deflections, but without an intercept to her name the past two rounds, her ability to win clean ball for her team and take control of the defensive structures of the backline will be a great opportunity for her growth and the
Thunderbirds’ finals chances this season. She needs to grab this opportunity with both hands.
Kiera Austin (Vixens) – Austin’s performances have been far from horrible, however given the status of Austin and what we know she is capable of producing, her form could be better. Despite being a player that the opposition focus on shutting down and with her shooting at 84.7% from the 1-point range with a combined average of 77.7%, it is the turnovers that Austin would be keen to reduce. I can certainly empathise with the amount of ball that the likes of Austin and other players in attack have, but she is currently leading the competition in statistics for bad pass (6) and general play turnovers (25). Cutting these errors down by a couple each game would be beneficial to keep this Vixens side up the top of the ladder.
Sasha Glasgow (Mavericks) – Might think this is a tough call putting Sasha on this list following a return from an horrific leg injury during the Mavs’ 2024 preseason, however she has returned. Whilst there’s scope for finding her feet in what is essentially a new side and teammates as well as getting back on court, now is the time for Glasgow to start showing glimpses of her pre-injury form. Her confidence, especially to the post, is looking shaky and this is where she needs to get back to her greatest asset and becoming a key threat in the goal circle for the Mavs going forward.
Originally published as Nat Medhurst names the Super Netball stars going well and those who need to give more at the half way point of the season
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