Super Netball news: Dan Ryan backs West Coast Fever to succeed despite roster overhaul

West Coast Fever coach Dan Ryan believes his team will be able to adapt ‘with the click of a finger’ and present a challenge to his Super Netball rivals despite a roster overhaul.

West Coast Fever coach Dan Ryan says the versatility in his revamped squad means the team will be able to change tack “with the click of a finger” and present a challenge to Super Netball rivals.

While Super Netball has a new team this year in the Melbourne Mavericks, there has been change at every club.

The Fever has overhauled its roster following the departure of several top-line players.

West Coast Fever coach Dan Ryan is confident his revamped squad will be able to adjust and challenge their rivals in 2024. Picture: Getty Images

Former captain and Diamonds defender Courtney Bruce is the highest-profile player to leave but the 2022 premier also lost former Diamonds midcourter Verity Simmons (AFLW), England goaler Sasha Glasgow (Mavericks) and defenders Rudi Ellis (Vixens) and Kim Jenner (Mavericks).

The departures had many questioning Ryan’s relationships with his players and while he did not address that directly at the club’s training session on Tuesday, the calibre of those attracted to the squad for the coming season speaks volumes.

England captain and star defender Fran Williams has joined the Fever, along with Jamaican internationals Kadie-Ann Dehaney (defender) and goaler Shanice Beckford (goaler), who will join her Sunshine Girls teammate Jhaniele Fowler in the shooting circle.

Courtney Bruce headlines a host of high-profile departures from the Fever at the end of 2023. Picture: Getty Images

“Fran’s an incredibly intelligent defender,” Ryan said. “She can read the play exceptionally well and complements Sunday (Aryang), Kadie-Ann (Dehaney) and Jess (Anstiss) in that back line as well.

“All our defenders are really unique. They play slightly differently but we are seeing some great natural connections and combinations forming, so I’m loving seeing how all of that is forming.”

Ryan praised all his recruits, including young guns Jordan Cransberg and Olivia Wilkinson. The Fever has locked down the two rising stars for the next three seasons.

“I’ve been really impressed with the new players that have come in and some of the younger ones as well,” Ryan said.

“I think Jordan Cransberg from training partner to contracted athlete has been seamless and she’s a benchmark when it comes to skills and standards.

The departures had many questioning Ryan’s relationships with his players, but he has responded with some high-profile signings. Picture: Getty Images

“And just seeing Olivia Wilkinson and Shanice Beckford, our two new goal attacks, get better and better every single session has been awesome.”

Ryan said the progress the players had made in the opening six weeks of the pre-season was “incredibly rewarding”.

“Where they were week one to where we are now at week six is really exciting,” Ryan said.

“The depth of talent is really good, the variation of skill set is very different, which is amazing.

“And the way in which we can play the game with the talent we have can change with the click of a finger, so I’m loving it so far.

“I think there’s a real level of equality in our environment at the moment where everyone’s feeling like they have space to contribute.

“They are all really valued for the skills that they bring and the unique qualities that they have and they are all so different, which I think is a power of our team.”

Originally published as Super Netball news: Dan Ryan backs West Coast Fever to succeed despite roster overhaul