Tactix defenders to test Steel’s nerve
If the Southern Steel have reservations about the legality of Temalisi Fakahokotau’s abrasive defence they’re doing a good job disguising it.
The Silver Ferns goal keep has been an influential performer for the Mainland Tactix, who have exceeded expectations to make the finals for the first time in the team’s history.
How well the Steel attackers deal with her physical pressure in Wednesday’s national netball premiership elimination final in Invercargill will be critical to victory. Fakahokotau (right) has been the competition’s form defender, finishing round play first in rebounds (29) and intercepts (51), while sitting second for deflections (101).
She can draw the ire of the umpires with her aggressive attitude on defence, being penalised 234 times, the second most behind Phoenix Karaka (Mystics).
Steel coach Reinga Bloxham said Fakahokotau and defensive partner Jane Watson, who was league MVP with the Steel last season, had been discussed heavily in their team meetings.
Bloxham didn’t have any issue with what Fakahokotau did defensively.
‘‘Our biggest concern is that she is bloody good at getting the ball and she tries to set up a lot of ball and create opportunities for herself and sometimes in the act of doing that [attackers] just get it wrong. I really like that about her, that she’s got a real determination for going out there to get that ball.’’
With the height of 1.96m goal shoot Ellie Bird, the Tactix have the ability to score rapidly.
Bloxham stressed the Steel had to be smart with their ball placement with Watson and Fakahokotau two of the competition’s better defenders. Turning ball over to the Tactix just gave them more opportunities to fire passes into Bird.
‘‘We’ve talked about having to make sure we do our jobs outside the circle to help that last line of defence and make it a little bit more difficult. We know we have to put pressure on those outside feeders.’’
The Steel don’t need any reminder about delivering a memorable performance for retiring captain Wendy Frew in the final home game of her 16-year career. Frew, a proud Southlander, has spent her entire career with the Steel and their predecessors, the Sting.
To honour the midcourter’s immense contribution to southern netball, Stadium Southland has been dubbed ‘Wendy Frew Stadium’ for the occasion.
Bloxham said they had done their best to keep their emotions in check and not make a fuss over Frew’s home farewell. She hoped they would use that positive energy to their advantage and believed their parochial Invercargill crowd would provide a significant boost.
‘‘I think having them behind us will help get us across the line. Her just being able to be recognised after all these years of input she’s put into our community and netball, what better way to celebrate a happy last game at home.’’
Goal shoot Jennifer O’Connell has recovered from a ruptured eardrum that prevented her from travelling to the Steel’s final round game against the Stars in Auckland on July 29.
Tactix coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek identified O’Connell as a key threat and said shutting down her links with Te Paea Selby-Rickit and midcourters Gina Crampton and Shannon Francois was paramount. Games between the sides this season have been cliffhangers with each winning one away from home by a 53-52 scoreline. The third match in Invercargill saw the Steel holding on to win 59-56. The winner plays the Central Pulse in the final in Palmerston North on Sunday.
National netball premiership elimination final:
Wednesday 7.45pm; ‘Wendy Frew Stadium’, Invercargill.
Likely starters: Steel:
GS: Jennifer O’Connell, GA: Te Paea Selby-Rickit, WA: Gina Crampton, C: Shannon Francois, WD: Wendy Frew (c), GD: Te Huinga Reo SelbyRickit, GK: Courtney Elliott.
GS: Ellie Bird, GA: Brooke Leaver, WA: Erikana Pedersen, C: Kimiora Poi, WD: Charlotte Elley, GD: Jane Watson (c), GK: Temalisi Fakahokotau.
Tactix: