Key squad changes:
In – Maria Folau, Shamera Streling, Layla Guscoth, Beth Cobden
Out – Leana de Bruin, Shimona Nelson, Bongi Msomi, Catherine Tuivaiti
Potential starting 7:
GK – Shamera Sterling
GD – Layla Guscoth
WD – Beth Cobden
C – Hannah Petty
WA – Chelsea Pitman
GA – Maria Folau
GK – Sasha Glasgow
Few teams were more active in the off-season than the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
And, after only managing one win in the past two seasons, change may be exactly what this club needs.
It started at the top, with former GIANTS Netball assistant coach Tania Obst replacing Dan Ryan as head coach. Obst will be desperately trying to snap a 27-game losing streak.
The addition of legendary New Zealand sharpshooter Maria Folau givesthe team a super star in the shooting circle with the ability to carry a team on her shoulders.
However, Thunderbird fans should be confident that Folau shouldn’t have to be relied upon to do so after English internationals Beth Cobden and new co-captain Layla Guscoth joined alongside Jamaican phenom Shamera Sterling.
Sterling, who exploded onto the scene at last year’s Fast5 World Cup, is an incredible defensive talent and will look to build a strong relationship with both Guscoth and Adelaide veteran Kate Shimmin.
Crafty midcourter Beth Cobden should slot into the midcourt led by Co-Captain Chelsea Pitman, however both will start the season under injury clouds.
With personnel upgrades both on and and off the court, the Thunderbirds should certainly improve. But the whole squad will need to step up as the team will go only as far as their depth will take them.
The Thunderbirds kick their 2019 season off at home against the West Coast Fever on Sunday April 28 at 2.30PM.
For the full 2019 fixture, head here.
