By Matt Fotia
Adelaide Thunderbirds premiership coach Tania Obst has one of the best defences in the competition at her disposal, with international representatives Matilda Garrett, Latayna Wilson and Shamera Sterling-Humphrey combining to create one of the most feared defensive set ups in Super Netball history.
Another name intends to join that feared list sooner rather than later.
Tayla Williams.
Williams continued her spectacular 2024 form on Saturday against the GIANTS, finishing the 15-goal win with 10 deflections, 3 gains, 2 intercepts and 108 Nissan Net Points.
Obst credits an uninterrupted preseason as one of the key factors behind her starting centre’s incredible 2024 to date.
“What Tayla has been able to do this season differently from others was have a really solid preseason, which helps when you get deeper into the season,” Obst said of her young starlet.
“Tayla has a very good netball brain and understands what her role is and how she can implement that in whatever is presented out on the court, not just from a defensive point of view, but an attacking point of view.”
Williams is statistically the best defensive centre in the game right now.
The 2023 premiership player is the number one ranked centre for deflections (24), gains (16) and intercepts (12), beating out the likes of Jamie-Lee Price and Kate Moloney.
Williams is having an amazing 2024Williams credited her improved defensive output to the collective synergy of the Thunderbirds defensive unit.
The way that we work as a team and as a defensive unit really plays to all of our strengths,” Williams said.
“We cover each other well and work as a whole unit, which then makes it easier in turn for us to get deflections and to get intercepts.
“Our ability to work together and our combinations are growing every time we get to play together and that makes a big difference.”
The Thunderbirds will also be pleased with the output of veteran Romelda Aiken-George who joined the side this season after a successful 2023 as a replacement player with the NSW Swifts.
Aiken-George has shot 344 goals at 86% this season and sits fifth in the competition for goals scored, behind Cara Koenen, Sophie Garbin, Donnel Wallam and Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard.
Aiken-George has been an underrated signing for the ThunderbirdsWilliams, who has 255 feeds and 136 assists to go with her all-conquering defensive numbers this season, says that Aiken-George’s presence on court is a calming one for the rest of the Thunderbirds side.
“(She’s) something very different to what I’ve played with in the past,” Williams explained.
“Her ability to take the ball wherever you put it, you put it in the air and she can get to it.
“Knowing that she’s there and such a formidable target for us is something that I haven’t personally played with before and I’d back her to the hills.”
