Every Super Netball team analysed ahead of inaugural season
ON the eve of the inaugural Super Netball season, Rebecca Williams analyses every squad — and we also get the captains’ picks. TEAM BY TEAM GUIDE
Netball
Don't miss out on the headlines from Netball. Followed categories will be added to My News.
ON the eve of the inaugural Super Netball season, Herald Sun expert Rebecca Williams analyses the teams and looks at each squad’s chances.
ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS
Coach: Dan Ryan
Captain: Erin Bell
We say: Has assembled a list with plenty of experience, albeit lots of unknowns. Have taken advantage of the unlimited import rule with three international recruits.
Squad: Ama Agbeze (England), Karyn Bailey, Erin Bell, Emily Burgess, Jade Clarke (England), Jane Cook, Malysha Kelly (Jamaica), Chelsea Locke, Hannah Petty, Fiona Themann (Scotland).
Round 1: Thunderbirds v Fever, 12.30pm Sunday, Priceline Stadium
Title odds: $21
Erin Bell — Adelaide Thunderbirds
Who do you think is the team to watch?
GWS
Pick for team B&F?
Jade Clarke
Pick for Suncorp Super Netball B&F?
Sharni Layton
What are you most excited about with new Suncorp Super Netball league?
Great opportunity to play against the best week in and week out.
What is the area of your game you most want to focus on?
Consistency.
MAGPIES NETBALL
Coach: Kristy Keppich-Birrell
Captain: Madi Robinson
We say: Looks set to make a big splash in their first year in the competition after recruiting what has already been labelled a “dream team” with five Diamonds in the squad. Regarded by most, including bookies who have them an even-money favourite, as the team to beat.
Squad: April Brandley, Ashleigh Brazill, Shae Brown, Cody Lange, Sharni Layton, Kim Ravaillion, Madi Robinson, Alice Teague-Neeld, Caitlin Thwaites, Micaela Wilson.
Round 1: Vixens v Magpies, 7pm Saturday, Hisense Arena
Title odds: $2
Madi Robinson — Magpies Netball Club
Who do you think is the team to watch?
GWS
Pick your team B&F?
Kim Ravaillion
Pick your Suncorp Super Netball B&F?
Romelda Aiken
What are you most excited about with new Suncorp Super Netball league?
Seeing the cross town rivalries build between teams.
What is the area of your game you most want to focus on?
Building a netball legacy for the Magpies.
GIANTS NETBALL
Coach: Julie Fitzgerald
Captain: Kimberlee Green
We say: Also look set to make an impact in year one with a strong line-up headlined by star England goaler Jo Harten and former Swifts stars Kim Green and Susan Pettitt.
Squad: Toni Anderson, Kristina Brice, Bec Bulley, Taylah Davies, Kimberlee Green, Serena Guthrie (England), Jo Harten (England), Susan Pettitt, Samantha Poolman, Jamie-Lee Price.
Round 1: Giants v Swifts, 5pm Saturday, Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
Title odds: $5.50
Kimberlee Green — GIANTS Netball
Who do you think is the team to watch?
Melbourne Vixens. Flying under the radar, solid core group who been together for few years now.
Pick for team B&F?
Serena Guthrie. Improved heaps over pre-season, has the x factor, and having not played Centre very much is really making the bib her own.
Pick for Suncorp Super Netball B&F?
Jo Harten — she’s a superstar
What are you most excited about with new Suncorp Super Netball league?
Getting it underway this weekend. Lots of old and new faces, and everyone will be looking to have an impact in year 1.
What is the area of your game you most want to focus on?
Passing to the team in Orange.
MELBOURNE VIXENS
Coach: Simone McKinnis
Captain: Kate Moloney
We say: Despite losing their captain (Madi Robinson) and vice-captain (Geva Mentor) to rival teams, the Vixens have retained the bulk of their exciting young talent. The addition of Mwai Kumwenda brings an X-factor to the team’s attack that welcomes back Tegan Philip from injury.
Squad: Kadie-Ann Dehaney (Jamaica), Mwai Kumwenda (Malawi), Emily Mannix, Kate Moloney, Tegan Philip, Emma Ryde, Chloe Watson, Liz Watson, Khao Watts, Jo Weston.
Round 1: Vixens v Magpies, 7pm Saturday, Hisense Arena
Title odds: $6.50
Kate Moloney — Melbourne Vixens
Who do you think is the team to watch?
Giants Netball
Pick for team B&F?
Tegan Philip
Pick for Suncorp Super Netball B&F?
Mwai Kumwenda
What are you most excited about with new Suncorp Super Netball league?
With the introduction of the three new teams, I’m really excited to seeing the new rivalries build
What is the area of your game you most want to focus on?
With only 10 players per team now, it’s even more important for a player to be able to cover several positions. So I am focusing on my versatility and being able to cover all three positions in the mid court.
NSW SWIFTS
Coach: Rob Wright
Captain: Abbey McCulloch
We say: The Swifts’ 2016 squad was raided, losing stars Sharni Layton, Caitlin Thwaites, Laura Langman, Kim Green, Susan Pettitt and Stephanie Wood. Coach Wright has admitted his team is now in a rebuilding phase after contesting the past two grand finals.
Squad: Paige Hadley, Helen Housby (England), Sarah Klau, Abbey McCulloch, Claire O’Brien, Maddy Proud, Amy Sommerville, Emma Tickner, Maddy Turner, Sammy Wallace (Trinidad and Tobago).
Round 1: Giants v Swifts, 5pm Saturday, Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
Title odds: $34
Abbey McCulloch — NSW Swifts
Who do you think is the team to watch?
The NSW Swifts and Melbourne Vixens.
Both have young lists, but chockers full of talent and I think play an attractive style of netball that Fans will love.
Pick for team B&F?
Maddy Turner or Paige Hadley.
Maddy had such a massive impact in her debut season last year, and looks even better this time round. She’s ready to step up.
Paige because she’s just a quality player and I have no doubt will dominate the Swifts’ attacking third.
Pick for Suncorp Super Netball B&F?
Love to see it be a midcourter, but with so many new faces this year it’s hard to pick. I think it might be a fresh face who alights the competition.
What are you most excited about with new Suncorp Super Netball league?
The ability for netball to be in lounge rooms across Australia, and the opportunity it is afforded the next generation of elite netballers.
What is the area of your game you most want to focus on?
Contesting more first ball.
QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS
Coach: Roselee Jencke
Captain: Gabi Simpson
We say: Without Laura Geitz (pregnant), Clare McMeniman (retired) and Kim Ravaillion (Magpies), the Firebirds boast a significantly reworked line-up. Were dealt a blow on eve of season with ACL injury to Mahalia Cassidy last week. But the shooting prowess of Romelda Aiken ensures they remain a danger.
Squad: Romelda Aiken (Jamaica), Laura Clemesha, Kimberley Jenner, Jemma Mi Mi, Abigail Latu-Meafou, Caitlyn Nevins, Kristen Oxenford (replacement player for Cassidy) Kate Shimmin, Gabi Simpson, Gretel Tippett.
Round 1: Firebirds v Lightning, 7.45pm Saturday, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Title odds: $5
Gabi Simpson — Queensland Firebirds
Who do you think is the team to watch?
The Firebirds defence is an unknown quantity, we will continue to grow across the season and have tricks up their sleeves
Pick for team B&F?
Romelda Aiken.
Pick for Suncorp Super Netball B&F?
Sharni Layton
What are you most excited about with new Suncorp Super Netball league?
The unknown of it all, it’s all very exciting having a fresh start.
What is the area of your game you most want to focus on?
Staying cool, calm and collected under pressure.
SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING
Coach: Noeline Taurua
Captain: Geva Mentor
We say: Have recruited strongly, boasting two of the league’s best bookends in Bassett and Mentor and one of the world’s premier midcourters in Langman. Should be a contender in year one.
Squad: Caitlin Bassett, Kelsey Browne, Cara Koenen, Laura Langman (New Zealand), Geva Mentor (England), Madeline McAuliffe, Erena Mikaere (New Zealand), Karla Mostert (South Africa), Laura Scherian, Stephanie Wood.
Round 1: Firebirds v Lightning, 7.45pm Saturday, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Title odds: $7
Geva Mentor — Sunshine Coast Lightning
Who do you think is the team to watch?
Until the first couple of rounds it’s hard to say. Looking at team lists, you can’t go past the Magpies, but overall I believe every team has recruited well, it’ll just be about how quickly combinations are establish.
Pick for team B&F?
I’d love for all 10 of us to be up there, that way we know everyone has done their job successfully this season. However, with the sacrifice that Laura Langman has made, it would be bitter sweet to see her walk away with such an accolade.
Pick for Suncorp Super Netball B&F?
If I wasn’t to be bias and say someone from our team, I believe MJ from Vixens could take out that title with her flare and uniqueness.
What are you most excited about with new Suncorp Super Netball league?
Seeing how all the new and old teams fair, particularly with all the player movement. I believe the rivalries created will provide an exciting challenge for us as players, and a greater spectacle for supporters.
What is the area of your game you most want to focus on?
Consistently being able to turn over ball and providing as much possession as I can for my team. But primarily cementing new defensive combinations.
WEST COAST FEVER
Coach: Stacey Rosman
Captain: Nat Medhurst
We say: Like the Swifts, were hit hard during the recruiting period, losing star goaler Caitlin Bassett, defender April Brandley and midcourters Ash Brazil and Shae Brown. The loss of Bassett, in particular, will hurt.
Squad: Jessica Anstiss, Kate Beveridge, Courtney Bruce, Ingrid Colyer, Shannon Eagland, Stacey Francis (England), Annika Lee-Jones, Nat Medhurst, Verity Simmons and Kaylia Stanton.
Round 1: Thunderbirds v Fever, 12.30pm Sunday, Priceline Stadium
Title odds: $41
Nat Medhurst — West Coast Fever
Who do you think is the team to watch?
West Coast Fever. No one externally has high hopes for us as a Club this season so I look forward to proving a lot of people wrong and surprising the opposition with the depth, flexibility & competitiveness that we will bring.
Pick your team B&F?
Stacey Francis
Pick your Suncorp Super Netball B&F?
Romelda Aiken
What are you most excited about with new Suncorp Super Netball league?
The changes across the board & how well teams combine across the season. I always love the competitive nature of our game so that is a given. Im also really looking forward to seeing how our younger West Coast Fever players really step up and take on the challenge of being a part of netball at this elite level.
What is the area of your game you most want to focus on?
Unpredictability. It’s always nice to keep people guessing and all I want to do is continue to improve & develop as a player. Would like to think that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
* Odds courtesy of TAB
THE TIP — WHAT BEC WILLIAMS SAYS:
Premiership: Magpies
Grand final: Magpies/Giants
The talk isn’t just that — the Magpies will be the team to beat. Five Diamonds in the starting seven speaks for itself. The pressure is on the new team, but they have the experienced heads and talent to prevail.
‘You could trust her’: Legendary netball mentor retires
Her netball coaching feats rival rugby league super coach Wayne Bennett, and after multiple championships at the elite level, the most experienced coach in Super Netball is stepping down.
Giant sale could ‘super charge’ club to powerhouse
The likely sale of the Giants to a left of field powerhouse could be the club’s opportunity to ‘super charge’ their franchise, but Netball NSW need to approve.