In-form giantkillers chase the ultimate scalp

As netball pundits around the country hail the Northern Stars as ‘‘giantkillers’’, captain Leana de Bruin shrugs it off.

After all, the ultimate scalp remains the Southern Steel who at this stage of the competition are the best team with the rest a distance second.

The tenacious defender and her fast-improving Stars team will get the chance to see how they stack up against the ANZ Premiership frontrunners at ILT Stadium Southland on Sunday.

With the Ascot Park Hotel- sponsored side unbeaten after 10 outings, de Bruin knows victory against her former franchise would definitely rank as an upset.

‘‘They’re the ultimate team to beat and I think everyone is wanting to do that,’’ she said.

‘‘If we can play to our full potential, anything is possible.’’

It was a frustrated de Bruin who last ventured to Invercargill in round six.

At that stage, the Stars had only managed to chalk up wins over the woeful Tactix despite a highly rated roster featuring Silver Ferns Kayla Cullen and Maia Wilson, former internationals Courtney Tairi, Sulu Fitzpatrick and Malia Vaka and Australian coaching mastermind Julie Hoornweg at the helm.

‘‘I was very frustrated because I knew the potential and the talent in our team,’’ de Bruin said.

‘‘I saw glimpses of what we could do but then we kind of lost it.’’

Something finally clicked in the past fortnight and wins over the Mystics and Magic have earned the Stars a mathematical chance of making the playoffs.

‘‘There’s nothing like having your back against the wall … the attitude of the girls has been amazing and we’ve finally found the belief we needed,’’ de Bruin said.

‘‘We always knew it was going to take time to build those connections, along with the trust and belief you need in each other.’’

The adage ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’ is an apt depiction of the former Silver Fern who, despite being the oldest player in the league, is adamant she’s still learning.

‘‘I learn every day. I’ve learned not just lessons on the court, but life lessons on how to handle things when you struggle and can’t find answers,’’ she said.

De Bruin is eager to share her knowledge of the game and will host netball clinics in Invercargill on September 2 as part of a nation- wide tour coinciding with the Silver Ferns international commitments. The Ferns, Australian Diamonds, England and South Africa will play the Netball Quad Series at ILT Stadium on September 3.

‘‘Netball has been a lifechanging event for me. I have a lot of people to thank in my life so it’s a way to give back but also share my passion for the game and teaching,’’ de Bruin said.

‘‘It’s an opportunity to learn about me, about life as a top netballer and what it takes to get there. I want to help inspire the next generation to be as passionate about our game.’’