Super Netball: Foes now friends as new points system aims high

Foes have become friends after swapping international bibs for Super Netball ones.

Gabi Simpson of the Firebirds and Geva Mentor of the Lightning.

Recent foes have become friends after swapping international bibs for Super Netball ones, as the competition enters its second season featuring a radical new points system.

Two weeks after the Commonwealth Games ended in thrilling fashion, many of the stars of that tournament will participate in the eight-team Australian domestic competition starting this weekend.

After battling it out in the Games final on the Gold Coast, Diamonds captain and shooter Caitlin Bassett and England defender Geva Mentor will again join forces for defending Super Netball premiers Sunshine Coast Lightning, with the latter leading the Queensland side.

And with a bonus point awarded for winning every quarter, teams could earn as many as eight points in a game. While the reaction has been largely positive, there have also been suggestions coaches might stick to their starting seven for longer in a bid to obtain maximum points.

“What I really liked last year was the rotation, that you had a real strong 10 and I hope teams are still able to put out (all of) those players on court,” Mentor said.

“It’s not just about trying to, yes, win each quarter, but not just flogging the (starting) seven, that you are really going to need all 10 players out on court. But I think it’s exciting for the game. Something needs to change in terms of thinking outside the box and this is definitely one example that we’re looking forward to experimenting with.”

Lightning have lost a crucial component of their championship-winning squad in veteran New Zealand midcourter Laura Langman, though Mentor believes that will allow other players to step up and shine.

“Obviously we’ve got the target on our back but what a fantastic position to be in,” Mentor said.

Mentor is one of many high-profile overseas players returning to the competition. Among the newcomers is West Coast Fever’s formidable Jamaican shooter Jhaniele Fowler.

“I think looking at most of the teams this year, the level has gone up and I think that is what’s so exciting about this competition,” Mentor said.

Last season’s losing grand ­finalists, the Giants, will have ­veteran midcourter Kimberlee Greene and defender Kristiana Manu’a back from long-term injuries. The inaugural minor premiers, Melbourne Vixens, will look to rebound from losing both their finals games, while cross-town rivals Collingwood have added another Diamond, Erin Bell, to their star-studded roster.

The opening round features a Melbourne derby and a grand final rematch between Lightning and Giants.

AAP