Player spotlight: Most versatile of every Sapphire Series squad

The HART Sapphire Series is full of dual-code and national-level athletes, but what about those who can do more than one job? We reveal the most versatile of every squad, from shooters who defend to defenders who dabble in the centre court. See the full list inside:

The HART Sapphire Series is full of dual-code and national-level athletes, but what about those who can do more than one job?

We reveal the most versatile of every squad, from shooters who can cover half the court to defenders who dabble in the centre.

Get to know the nominated athletes from every squad, picked by the coaches themselves.

Player spotlight: Most versatile

Gold Coast Titans Netball. Pictured: Talitah Faifai

Gold Coast Titans

Player: Talitah Faifai

Positions:GA/ GS/ WA

Young gun Faifai enters her second year of Sapphires in 2024 after a stellar 2023 season. The goal shooter come goal attack is speedy, agile and versatile enough to fit seamlessly into the wing attack position when duty calls. She can adapt her style of play not only to her own position, but to the players around her at any given time. Faifai is sure to shine with the newly introduced Super Shot rule in 2024.

NETBALL AUSTRALIA: Day 1 - U19 Game 1, Western Australia v Queensland. Jubilee Park Stadium, Frankston, Victoria, Australia. Photo: Joanna Margiolis, Netball Australia. Jayden Molo (QLD)

Bond University Bull Sharks

Player: Jayden Molo

Positions: WA/ C/ WD

A versatile midcourter that can cover all three positions depending on the opposition and how the game is unfolding. Molo recently made her third Australian (AIS) squad following a successful campaign with Queensland at the National Netball Championships.

HART Sapphire Series round 1 2024, Gold Coast Titans v Brisbane South Wildcats

Brisbane South Wildcats

Player: Tahlia Evans and Maddi Davies

Positions: WA/ C/ WD

Both covering all three midcourt positions, Evans and Davies boast an uncanny partnership on court which benefits the Wildcats ever-developing game. The pair are strong and speedy with admirable agility and skill.

Carina Leagues Club Tigers

Player: Rianah Childs

Positions: WD/ GD/ GK (and C)

Childs is a tenacious defender that can cover all three defensive positions and willingly accepts the C bib when it come her way. She is known for wearing the opposition down with her man-on defence but can also able to read the play for clean intercepts. In the circle, she can still pull in rebounds thanks to her height and boasts a strong in transition with ball in hand.

TAE Aerospace Jets

Player: Nora Misa

Positions: GK/ GD/ WD

After three knee reconstructions - all at the hands of netball - Misa is back and stronger than ever wearing Jets colours. She has continued to develop as a player over the years (on the court and in rehab) and can cover all defence positions from under the post to out on the wing.

HART Sapphire Series round 1 2024. Brisbane North Cougars v Ipswich Jets

Brisbane North Cougars

Player: Whole team

With four premierships under her belt, it’s no surprise Cougars coach Liz White nominates the entire squad for this. Each player dominates their position and is able to take on another when needed - be it an injury replacement or sheer experiment.

“This means I can switch them around depending on match ups with opponents and play a variety of combinations,” white explained.

Natalie Sligar

Sunshine Coast Thunder

Player: Nat Sligar

Positions: GA/ GS/ WA/ C

Typically a shooter of either position, Sligar has been known to dabble in the mid court when needed. The NSW junior moved to the Sunny Coast in 2023 as a training partner for the Lightning after a stint with Giants, and was a key to Thunder’s attacking end last season.