Several Ferns under threat
The Silver Ferns’ abysmal 2018 netball year drew to a close with a forgettable showing in the final Constellation Cup test against Australia on Thursday. BRENDON EGAN takes a look at how the Ferns rated in the seven games under new coach Noeline Taurua in
SHOOTERS: Maria Folau: 7/10 Held the misfiring shooting end together during these two series and impressed in her move to goal shoot. People love to bag Folau, but without her things would have been even uglier on attack. Her performance against Australia in Hamilton, where she shot 40/41 in the Ferns’ win was a vintage showing and critical to their upset win. Statistics: 212/243 at 87 per cent
Te Paea Selby-rickit: 5/10 Selby-rickit had the chance to cement a starting spot in these two series, but failed to shine, leaving Taurua with a huge headache for the summer. She was out of sorts and didn’t look 100 per cent healthy. Needs to go away, refresh, and work out whether she’s got the fire to be an elite Silver Fern. Capable of much better. Statistics: 86/118 at 73 per cent
Aliyah Dunn: 6/10 Debuting during the Quad Series, the youngster produced promising signs, including 10/10 off the bench in the final quarter against Australia in Melbourne. Didn’t kick on in the Constellation Cup, but will be better for her first taste of international netball. Must return to the Central Pulse and dominate domestic netball in 2019. Statistics: 27/32 at 84 per cent
Maia Wilson: 4/10 Got her big opportunity in the Constellation Cup after time out of the Silver Ferns environment and never really made an impact in limited courttime. It remains to be seen whether she’s got the consistency to be a long-term Ferns starter at goal shoot when Folau eventually retires. Taurua must be tempted to see what 1.96m shooting giant Ellie Bird can offer. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see her brought into their December training camp. Statistics: 11/18 at 61 per cent
Ameliaranne Ekenasio: 2/10 Had a nightmare performance in the opening Quad Series game against England in Auckland and was never seen again. Days in the Silver Ferns dress could be over.
Statistics: 10/18 at 56 per cent
MIDCOURT:
Gina Crampton: 6/10 The recalled wing attack was solid, without being spectacular in these two series. Clearly the No 1 wing attack but wasn’t able to replicate her wonderful season with the Southern Steel. Must lift another gear for the Northern Quad Series in January.
Laura Langman: 7/10 No-one sets higher standards than the Silver Ferns skipper and she’ll be the first to admit she’s got plenty more in the tank to give. Was always going to be slightly rusty after time out from the sport and playing club netball in Hamilton this winter. Great to see her back in black and has the special ability to make the team-mates around her better.
Sam Sinclair: 6/10 Bit of a mixed bag from Sinclair over the two series. Patches of decent play, but others where she was quiet and went missing. Was outplayed by Australian wing attack Kelsey Browne in the Constellation Cup and didn’t win enough turnover ball or slow the Diamonds feeders down enough. Needs to step up.
Erikana Pedersen: N/A Only briefly seen as an injury replacement for Crampton in the third Constellation Cup test in Hamilton. Should have been given a run in the second half of the fourth match given the blowout scoreline, but was never used. We’re still no wiser about who’s the leading back-up wing attack behind Crampton.
Elisapeta Toeava: 3/10 Toeava, who was such a standout for the Mystics this season, got her opportunity against England, but failed to take it. She wasn’t used in the final two Quad Series matches and then dropped for the Constellation Cup. Elite sport is all about taking your chances and she’ll be upset she didn’t.
Karin Burger: 3/10 Similar story to Toeava. Debuted in the Quad Series and then axed for the Constellation Cup. With Langman and Sinclair both the top centres and wing defences, you have to wonder about whether she can force her way back in anytime soon at WD.
Michaela Sokolich-beatson: 5/10 Called into the Quad Series squad as an injury replacement for Temalisi Fakahokotau, Sokolichbeatson had a strong test against South Africa and had her moments against Australia in Melbourne. Wasn’t as effective in the Constellation Cup opener and her minutes dried up, not getting on court in the final three tests.
DEFENDERS:
Katrina Grant: 6/10 Flashes of brilliance from the former skipper, but guilty of drifting in and out of matches on defence. When she’s
dialled in, she can win valuable turnover ball, but Australian goal attack Gretel Tippett caused her problems in the Constellation Cup and had her number. The return from injury of Casey Kopua next year could put her starting spot in jeopardy.
Jane Watson: 8/10 The Silver Ferns’ best player since Taurua became coach. Had her quietest game to finish the international season in Wellington, but aside from that was superb over the Quad Series and Constellation Cup. Did an excellent job at goal keep in place of Fakahokotau, who would have been the starter if not for her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) setback. Was outstanding in Townsville and Hamilton. Will be desperate to back this form up in 2019.
Sulu Fitzpatrick: 4/10 Sent a few Australians tumbling in Wellington with her physical defence, but lacks the quickness and height to be an imposing threat against the quality Australian attackers. Her recall to the Ferns after seven years in the netball wilderness was a touching story, but a fit-again Kelly Jury offers greater upside at goal keep.