Lisa Alexander: Thunderbirds the title favourites as most consistent defensive team
Consistent defence is key to claiming the Super Netball title as per LISA ALEXANDER. The former Diamonds coach breaks down what’s needed from the final four teams to be named champion.
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The best defensive team will win the Super Netball title.
Every team has been that at different times but the Adelaide Thunderbirds do it most consistently so will enter the finals as favourites.
There is added pressure on the Thunderbirds. They are the top dogs, the reigning champions.
They finished on top so will carry the burden of expectation, whereas in the past they never had any pressure on them.
That will be an interesting psychological battle. Can they play relaxed? Can they overcome the challenges that inevitably come in a finals series?
They have the easiest path to the title. All home games. Two wins and they are back-to-back premiers. Everything is on their side.
But the other teams are all hungry. The Vixens, Fever and Lightning can all play really good team defence.
They have done it when it mattered and shown they can shut down various attack ends.
The team that can defend consistently for 60 minutes when the heat is on will prevail.
I expect it will be the Thunderbirds and Vixens in the grand final but it doesn’t mean the others can’t get there if they show grit and determination.
Here are the key players for each team in the finals series.
ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS
Georgie Horjus has taken all before her in 2024 and I think will get a Diamonds opportunity later this year.
The way she can easily adapt her game from wing attack to goal attack has been a key plank in Adelaide coming together in the attack end.
We already know the Thunderbirds have a terrific defensive end but the way Horjus has sparked the attack is probably what set them apart in the second half of the year.
The trick is to stop her in both positions and that is really difficult because she plays with such strength and precision.
She has great connections with her teammates, the Thunderbirds’ changes are seamless and their variety makes them hard to stop.
MELBOURNE VIXENS
Can Jo Weston shut down Horjus, even if she does have to spend more time at wing defence?
Weston’s ability to shut down Horjus and curb her influence in the attack end will help to get the Vixens off to a good start.
It will be interesting to see how Simone McKinnis lines up against the Thunderbirds.
She might experiment with different line-ups and even use Kate Eddy, who is a great tagger as well. She might be the better match-up for Horjus.
I think you have to pay Horjus the respect she deserves and that might mean one player follows her whenever she switches from WA to GA.
WEST COAST FEVER
Fran Williams is a key to the Fever’s defence end with her ability to win the ball in pressure moments.
Everyone knows what Jhaniele Fowler brings to the Fever but I think Williams’ ability to read and intercept is still a little underestimated.
The way the Fever defence creates those opportunities for Williams will be very important.
We’ve mainly seen her at goal defence but she can swing between all three positions and play goal keeper.
She can be extremely competitive on any size goaler. That to me is her key advantage. She plays well on the talls and on the smalls.
The way she can change up her game according to her opponent is impressive.
She is also very clear and dynamic in her attacking play.
SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING
Steph Fretwell really needs to step up in the finals.
She seems to be starting to do that and taking on board her responsibility in the attack end.
Lots of teams try to tag her out of the game but if you have Cara Koenen operating at a high level, it is really difficult to do that.
I think Fretwell’s showed last weekend she can step up, even though the Lightning lost by one.
Her ability to execute the two-point shot will be crucial in a toss-of-the-coin job.
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Originally published as Lisa Alexander: Thunderbirds the title favourites as most consistent defensive team
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