Super Netball veteran Cara Koenen racing to adapt to new generation of skilled defenders

A Sunshine Coast Lightning shooter believes the key to winning the Super Netball championship is adapting to the new breed of physical defenders, who have changed the face of the league.

The game of netball isn’t the same as when Cara Koenen made her debut eight seasons ago – the more physical nature of the game has forced the shooter to adapt a new style of play.

But she hasn’t perfected it yet.

Lightning were outclassed by Fever in their round 2 clash – losing 56-81 in Perth.

Koenen said there were no excuses – they just didn’t bring the same energy level as their West coast rivals.

“They stuck to their game plan really, really well,” Koenen said.

“They had obviously done their homework and their research on our attack and I think they really stepped up physically and their energy – we definitely lacked a lot of that.”

Koenen said adapting to the physical style of play was something all shooters in the league were learning to do.

Cara Koenen and the Lightning are serious championship contenders. Picture: Getty Images

“Defenders are obviously getting smarter,” Koenen said.

“They are working as a unit to shut down shooters at the back and contest out the front and I think that they are probably a little bit extra physically as well.

“It’s great for our game and something that should be celebrated, we know how physical and how athletic our players are and I think people are slowly starting to recognise that.

“It’s a good challenge. It means the attack has to be smarter, usable and move with way more intent in order to show the umpires when contacts are happening.

“But also to just work around that and work the ball to a shot regardless of the physical presence they put on us.”

Koenen knows the shooting circle don’t have long to adapt – not with Adelaide Thunderbirds heading to UniSC Arena on Saturday night.

“The Thunderbirds have got a really established defensive end,” Koenen said. “Tilly and Shamira have obviously been working together for a few years now.

Sunshine Coast’s Cara Koenen believes defenders have evolved, and have become tougher to combat. PictureL Getty Images

“We’ve had a few opportunities to come up against them and have come out on top some times and they’ve also bested us at times.

“It’s going to be about who can be the most creative this weekend, the most adaptable and stick to their game plan the best.”

Koenen said she expects captain Steph Fretwell to be back on the court this weekend after coming off with an ankle injury in the Fever clash.

“She’s working really closely with the medical team in order to put her best foot forward for getting out on court on the weekend,” Koenen said.

“These things can have a little bit of swelling and a little bit of tenderness.

“When she came off the court we missed her leadership and her calm head out on court so it is a good opportunity for us whether she is on or off for all of us to step up and take on a bit of that role.”

Cara Koenen has been in the league for eight seasons, but it’s toughet than ever before. Picture: Getty Images

If Fretwell isn’t able to play or is on limited minutes it will open the door to returning player Reilley Batcheldor to shine.

Batcheldor missed the 2023 season with an ACL injury but is back in the playing group this season. She netted 13 of her 18 shots against Fever.

“Ru brings something a little bit different to both Steph and I,” Koenen said.

“She’s a great weapon for us to have in terms of versatility in our attack end. She is so super confident in turning to post that she’s a real threat from anywhere in the circle.”

Sunshine Coast Lightning play Adelaide Thunderbirds at UniSC Arena at 5pm on Saturday.

Originally published as Super Netball veteran Cara Koenen racing to adapt to new generation of skilled defenders