Pocket dynamo shoots for the top

MELBOURNE Vixen Madison Browne stands alongside the kids at netball clinics and gives a little sigh.

Madison Browne

MADISON Browne stands alongside the kids at netball clinics and gives a little sigh.

"It can actually break your heart when you go there and everyone is already taller than you and they're only nine years old," Browne says.

"But that's OK. There are always other areas and strengths you can bring to netball.

"Hopefully, I bring a uniqueness, even at 168cm, that those 6 foot (183cm) girls can't bring."

Browne might be the second-shortest player in the trans-Tasman competition (Cantebury Taxtix's Keisha Grant takes the honour at 164cm), but the pocket dynamo has been a giant in the midcourt for Melbourne Vixens in their tilt at the championship.

The 24-year-old wing attack, who gives away 25cm to her tallest teammate Kate Beveridge, has continued to blossom into one of the competition's premier centre-court players.

She has led the competition in goal assists with 240 - 28 ahead of her closest rival, Magic and Silver Ferns centre Laura Langman - and also tops the league for centre pass receives.

Her form led to her being named as one of six nominees for the ANZ Championship Most Valuable Player award alongside fellow midcourt stars Langman and Temepara George (Mystics) - one of just two players from Australian clubs to receive the nod.

In fact, it's hard to believe a player of Browne's calibre has not played in a trans-Tasman final.

Browne's form has been no surprise to Vixens coach Julie Hoornweg, who believes she has been the pick of the competition's midcourt troupe this year.

"It's the best year she's ever had, it's been fantastic," Hoornweg said.

"She's been outstanding. I think she has been the No.1 centre court player in the league.

"I just think she has taken on the responsibility of organising the attack end. It's not just her game, she is bringing others in around her.

"That's the sign of a true champion, not only do you play your game, but you're bringing your teammates into the game as well.

"She's only young herself and has never played finals, but she has really helped that young attacking line settle in."

In her second stint with the Vixens, Browne's standing in the team was reflected in her elevation to the leadership group and joint vice-captaincy alongside fellow midcourter Chelsey Tregear this year.

Browne says she has enjoyed her added leadership responsibilities, which she believes have helped her game grow.

"I can't say it has changed me or changed the way I play, but maybe it has made me stand up and grow more as a player ... to set the example," Browne said.

"I guess the thing I've tried to add to my game at wing attack is to be that leader and control the attack end. The girls have stood up to pressure and really put out great performances."

This year Browne has returned to her more comfortable position at wing attack after spending the bulk of last season at centre.

While she still provides a handy change-up in the middle, as she did to great effect in the second half of the semi-final win over Northern Mystics, Browne admits she has felt more at home in the WA bib.

"I feel like I'm more of a specialist in it," said Browne, who returned to the Vixens in 2011 after a two-year stint with West Coast Fever.

"It is very automatic to me, you understand what your job is.

"But I think having that versatility of being able to swap from one to the other and not lose anything is something that I have been working on as well."

Many commentators felt that Browne was unlucky to miss out on selection for last year's Australian world championship team, but the creative midcourter took the disappointment in her stride.

"The last couple of years have been a bit of a roller-coaster, missing out on the Commonwealth Games and then missing out on (the) worlds," Browne said.

"You've got to always learn something from those experiences and I think it's made me a better person and definitely a better player."

Playing in her first finals series, Browne says a championship win would be a dream result.

"This is what you play sport for, to play in these big games and in these moments," she said.

"I am just so excited to get out there and play as best as I can for the team and leave it all out there on the line on Sunday."

Just don't expect her to stand next to the team's "6-foot girls" in victory shots if the Vixens win.