Don't write off Steel just yet

OPINION: Some people out there have been quick to dismiss Southern Steel as a genuine contender for next year's trans-Tasman netball competition.

These detractors argue Steel have got weaker over the off-season when many other sides have got stronger and that the franchise lacks the X-factor of a big-name player like Casey Williams, Romelda Aiken or Sonia Mkoloma.

Steel have lost a big chunk of experience, too, with Megan Hutton hanging up her sneakers after a long career, former internationals Adine Wilson and Donna Wilkins not returning for various reasons and talented Silver Ferns defender Katrina Grant shifting allegiance to Pulse.

I, for one, still think the southern side will be extremely competitive in next year's competition. Steel have assembled an exciting cast of veterans and young guns and there will be plenty of continuity within their ranks, with eight out of this year's 12 returning. Many of the other sides in the competition will have a radically different look to them when the new season begins, and those new lineups could take a while to function effectively.

One of the other key reasons why Steel have the ability to succeed again next season is their coach, Robyn Broughton. She has one of the finest CVs in world netball, is a proven winner and has the rare skill of being able to take a group of players and mould them together into a championship outfit.

On paper, Steel appear to look pretty solid right through the court. They may have lost Grant and Hutton, but defensively they should still cause problems for most shooters with towering new recruit Leana de Bruin, Sheryl Scanlan and Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit.

In Wendy Telfer and Liana Barrett-Chase they have two astute midcourters, who will both be looking to press their claims for Silver Fern starting berths. The dilemma for the coaching staff will be deciding who fits best where in the midcourt, with Megan Dehn an option to slot into wing attack.

Shooting-wise there are plenty of options, but much will depend on how quickly ex-Silver Fern Daneka Wipiiti bounces back from the birth of her first child next month.

2010 will be judgment day for many of the players in the side. Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit and Julianna Naoupu have briefly tasted ANZ Championship netball and need to show they belong at the next level.

With Adine Wilson not returning, Steel will need to settle on a new captain and for me it's got to be Wendy Telfer. She's a born-and-bred southern girl who wears her heart on her sleeve and leads by example out on court.

I wouldn't go writing our girls off just yet.

The latest addition to the Southland Times sports department, Brendon Egan is a transplanted Cantabrian who is still in mourning for the Ranfurly Shield. Brendon’s main interests are basketball and football.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Newest First

Oldest First

wol   #3   11:17 am Nov 27 2009

Bring back the Sting

turn&shoot   #2   11:23 am Nov 25 2009

Sorry Southland. This isin't the Sting anymore, have to stop living in the glory years

Evan Charlton   #1   10:38 am Nov 25 2009

Hmm.. not sure if Liana Barrett-Chase should be described as "astute." That implies a certain level of tactical savvy and positional discipline. Areas of her game that need improving. But I agree - if they can stay injury free - they are top 4 contenders.

Ad Feedback