Brazill centre of excellence

WITH make-shift centre Ashleigh Brazill tearing up the midcourt, Collingwood is hitting the Super Netball finals as the form team.

The Magpies take on Melbourne Vixens in an elimination final on Sunday at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, with the sides coming in after contrasting results.

Collingwood won the remaining play-off berth with a last-round win over the Vixens — its third in succession — while the loss was the third straight for Melbourne.

The Magpies’ season could have gone off the rails when Diamonds mainstay Kelsey Browne joined her sister Madi on the sidelines after also suffering a serious knee injury.

But wing defence-turnedcentre Brazill has proved a revelation.

Also playing for Collingwood in the AFLW, the 29year-old has made use of her football skills to earn the MVP award in the past three games.

Magpies goaler Natalie Medhurst said Brazill was using her athletic ability and aerial prowess to dominate.

“What she’s able to produce in there is what’s really setting her apart and how she’s able to dominate,” Medhurst said.

“The air time she’s able to get and those balls she’s able to pull in is just phenomenal — there was a take last game when she said it felt like she was taking a speccy.”

Medhurst, the oldest player in the competition, has also been in sensational form — shooting at 94 per cent against the Vixens.

Playing at her fourth club, the former Diamonds player said she relished being a part of high-pressure games.

“The big games are why I keep playing,” she said.

“To be put in that position is something I really enjoy — both as a team and personally to see what we are capable of.”

Medhurst said the Vixens would be disappointed with their performance in the 11point loss.

“We had a lot to play for but I’d like to think they would have had a lot to play for as well,” she said.

“It would be naive to think we’re going to be facing the same team on the weekend — they won’t be happy and will come out firing and wanting to make amends for that.”

Minor premier Sunshine Coast hosts the NSW Swifts in the major semi-final on Saturday.