Giants ‘twin’ defenders Sam Poolman, Bec Bulley share common goal
TOP defenders in netball can sense each other’s moves without a word being said. But Giants stars Sam Poolman and Bec Bulley have taken it a step further.
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TOP defenders in netball can sense each other’s moves in the confined space of the shooting circle without a word being said.
But Giants stars Sam Poolman and Bec Bulley have taken it a step further.
Sporting a similar style of play, physical shape and colouring, now even friends of the pair are finding it difficult to tell them apart on the court.
“I’m taller,’’ laughed Poolman, the regular starting seven goal keeper for the Giants.
“But even my partner (Jets keeper Ben Kennedy) says I have to start wearing my hair in a pony if Bec is in a bun.
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“When we wear a bun, you really can’t tell who is apart. I get the feedback all the time.’’
But key to the pairs success as one of the games most formidable circle combinations is their close relationships, with the Giants boasting the best defensive record of any team with just 51.7 goals per match scored against them.
“We just seem to work together really well,’’ she said.
“We have a good relationship and are getting stronger as a combination.’’
They might be sitting pretty in the top four, but ahead of their match with the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Sunday, Poolman says the Giants have yet to play anywhere near their potential this season.
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Poolman believes self criticism is helping the Giants improve each outing but says the club has still to put out a great game of netball.
“We are still working with that loss of Kimmy,” she said. “Going out, each game we are still learning things.
“That’s one of the best parts, we walk away really critical of what we need to do, what we need to improve.
“We are nowhere near putting out our best yet. We’ve had glimpses of great play but it is not consistent. We’re hoping for more of that against the Thunderbirds.’’
Despite the Thunderbirds in pole to claim the wooden spoon this season, Poolman, a former player with the club, says the Giants will not be taking them lightly.
“These type of games can be the hardest. They will be very hungry to get a win,’’ Poolman said.
“Their attitude is they have nothing to lose. And I know personally how passionate the crowd is there. We don’t underestimate them.’’
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