Super Netball finals 2023: Why Fever defender Courtney Bruce could be the difference in the grand final qualifier

West Coast Fever defender Courtney Bruce dishes it out on the court and she well and truly walked the walk last week – and she could the difference again on Saturday. Here’s why.

She’s the love her or hate her player who thrives under pressure and could be the difference in the West Coast Fever’s Super Netball grand final qualifier against the Swifts.

If anyone needed reminding why Courtney Bruce is likely to be among the first players picked in Stacey Marinkovich’s starting side for the World Cup, it was on display last weekend when her final-quarter heroics helped the Fever keep their title defence alive.

Bruce had 15 deflections and seven gains in her team’s knockout semi against the Melbourne Vixens in a performance coach Dan Ryan labelled “sensational”.

Courtney Bruce of the Fever in action in her player of the match effort in the knockout semi-final against the Vixens. Picture: Getty Images

“That was one of the most ferocious games I’ve seen Courtney Bruce play,” Ryan said.

“And the way that she came to life in that last quarter for us to really turn the momentum in our favour and some of her massive rebounds and big deflections and turnovers were huge for us.

“It says a lot about who Courtney is - when you need something she steps up - and I thought she was sensational at the back for us all day.”

Bruce may have been on fire but Fox Netball commentator Bianca Chatfield said the defender had more to give.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on her,” the former Diamond said.

“But I think she loves it, she is going to be the player that makes the difference this weekend.

“She loves the physicality being thrown at her and dishing it out.”

After their major semi-final extra-time loss to the Thunderbirds, Swifts coach Briony Akle was quick to pinpoint her sides’ ability to deal with physicality as a contributor to the result.

It is something they will have to learn to deal with though with Chatfield expecting Bruce to bring everything she has to the battle.

Bruce could the difference on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

“The Swifts baulked at the physicality thrown at them in the semi, rightly or wrongly, they should be worried about it because Bruce is going to bring it and be super strong in helping her team deal with it,” Chatfield said.

A constant presence on her opponent who lives and wears her heart on her sleeve during matches, Bruce can attract criticism - but there’s no doubt the best want her on their side.

“We know Courtney is a world class player - she is the Australian Diamonds goalkeeper for a reason,” Swifts co-captain Paige Hadley said.

“She brings a wealth of experience and I think for the Fever she really drives that energy and that spark and when they need a turnover, she’s the one they look to for that.

“It’s always a funny one. Every week you play against some of your best mates (in Super Netball) but as soon as you put that green and gold dress on, we’re there for that common goal and this year, it’s the World Cup.”

Chatfield said Bruce continually evolved as a player, a defender and a leader.

Paige Hadley (far right) and Bruce (second from right) arm in arm during the Diamonds’ series against England last year. Picture: Getty Images

“She really just knows when she is going to come through and turn the ball over and has this understanding about the pressure she needs to put on in the game for it to come to fruition for her.”

Fever survived their clash with the Vixens without making a single change to their starting seven - it was one of just four times this season the West Australian outfit had won all four quarters in a game.

As a result of the success Chatfield can’t see Fever coach Dan Ryan making too many changes - especially not to Bruce or Sunday Aryang.

“Bruce has vision of the whole court as goal keeper as opposed to when she plays goal defence,” Chatfield said.

“If they need to tag Helen Housby out (Ryan) could put Bruce out there but the vision she has as keeper, gives her the ability to call the shots and make important decisions - I’d have her in that position first and make changes as you need.

“Sunday proved she can play that role on Housby, she can absolutely tag her out of the game - she came through with vital contests on the ball in the last quarter against the Vixens, she is playing well beyond her years, she is a Diamonds World Cup player now and (Bruce) and (Aryang) support each other in those roles.”

Originally published as Super Netball finals 2023: Why Fever defender Courtney Bruce could be the difference in the grand final qualifier