Brittany Carter
Premiers – GIANTS Netball
You almost wouldn’t recognise the GIANTS watching their 2021 pre-season games.
They’ve been playing a really creative, free-flowing brand of netball and the positive energy amongst the group is pretty infectious.
Their culture seems to be at an all-time high and they’ve got an endless list of combinations at the back and up front, with some wonderful young players.
Runner up – Queensland Firebirds
Similar to the GIANTS, the Firebirds seem to have turned over a new leaf and they’ve got some big names returning to the side for 2021.
Midcourter Kim Ravaillion looks the fittest she’s ever been and their shooting end will only be strengthened now Gretel Buerta is back to join Tippah Dwan and Romelda Aiken.
Incoming coach Megan Anderson is sure to bring some fresh ideas to their game plan and their culture has really transformed with the inclusion of their mums and bubs.
Wooden spoon – Melbourne Vixens
This is a risky prediction, as the Vixens have been such a dominant side throughout Australian netball history and Simone McKinnis is an extremely clever coach.
But the retirements of veterans Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip, and Liz Watson’s season-ending injury means they’ve now got a very young and inexperienced attacking line.
For this reason, I think 2021 will be part of the building phase for this next generation of Vixens.
Rebel Rising Star – Matilda McDonell or Sophie Dwyer
Anyone that has met Tilly or seen her play understands the energy and firepower she can bring to the court.
The GIANTS have already got some great defensive combinations in their squad, but Tilly has all the qualities you need in an impact player.
She’s a hard-worker and loves to scrap and hunt for the ball, so I’m expecting her to have a cracking season.
Sophie is a brilliant long-bomb shooter that never seems to be phased by pressure.
Having watched her grow as a player in the Netball NSW Premier League and impress in the GIANTS 2021 pre-season, she definitely fits the GIANTS plans to focus on a moving circle.
The super shot was made for someone like Sophie Dwyer, so expect her to shine particularly in those five-minute periods.
MVP – Ash Brazill or Kim Ravaillion
I’ve cheated again here, picking both of these midcourters because I truly believe they are going to have career-defining seasons in 2021.
Both of them are coming back from a year off (through injury and pregnancy) and are now in the mature stage of their careers where they have the ability to turn a game and guide the young players around them.
They’ve both starred for the Diamonds previously and have grown with the sport as it’s taken on the modern changes to the game in the Super Netball era, so their experience and leadership will be such an asset to both their respective teams.
Coach of the Year – Megan Anderson
In her first season as a Super Netball head coach, Megan Anderson seems to have already had a big impact on the culture at the Firebirds.
She is obviously no stranger to the game at the elite level, as a former player and assistant Diamonds coach and I’m really looking forward to the fresh ideas she brings to that role.
One wild prediction – West Coast will narrowly miss finals due to imposed salary cap sanctions
Many people have tipped the Fever to still finish inside the Top 4 despite the 12-point sanction placed on them for 2021.
But if you look at last year’s ladder and take away those 12 points from the teams that rounded out the Top 4 (Fever / Swifts) you can really see what they’re up against.
They only dropped 5 games in 14 rounds last year, just like the Swifts and Lightning who also made finals, but had they had the 12-point sanction in place last year they would have placed 7th, in between the Giants and Thunderbirds.
Meaning their margin for error this year is extremely small… They’ll have to be at their absolute best from the get-go and carry that throughout the entire season, while ensuring their from still peaks in the back end as we approach finals.
It’ll be a very tough task.
Cath Cox
Premiers - Queensland Firebirds
A great mix of youth and experience with Kim Rav and Gretel back in the mix. Look to be a happy team under new coach Megan Anderson who will bring a breath of fresh air.
Runners Up - NSW Swifts
Another year under their belts the 2019 premiers will be smarter and wiser again this year under coach Briony Akle. No major changes to their line up means so serious combos forming well.
Wooden Spoon - West Coast Fever
Tough ask starting the season 12 points behind after salary cap breeches.
MVP - Shamera Sterling
With TBirds and fellow Jamaican team mate Latanya Wilson at GD, she'll have that extra confidence.
Coach of the year - Megan Anderson
Think the Firebirds will really blossom under her guidance. The change they needed to see and will relish.
One Wild Prediction - Thunderbirds in the top 4
Bianca Chatfield
Premiers - GIANTS Netball
They have promised so much for so long, but they will deliver with a far more team-first approach like we haven’t seen before - and an attack line that will dominate, and super shot the lights out.
Runners up - Queensland Firebirds
They will impress, led from their defence end.
Wooden Spoon - Adelaide Thunderbirds
Just. I think. Actually I have no idea, I expect Thunderbirds to be better than last year, but still building.
Rebel Rising Star - Sophie Dwyer
Been dominating in preseason matches, will be a key ingredient in a versatile GIANTS attack.
MVP - Kim Ravaillion
Fitter and a refreshed perspective on the game. She will show she is the linchpin that firebirds have been missing.
Coach of the year - Megan Anderson
She knows how to empower a team, did it as a player, will do it as a coach.
One wild prediction: Sharni Layton making a comeback to Netball.
I mean that wouldn’t be that crazy to think would it?
Kim Green
Premiers - GIANTS Netball
Coming off the back of a tumultuous season, they will be looking at firing in 2021. The inclusion of April Brandley into the contracted team & young gun Sophie Dwyer, there is plenty of depth and plenty of passion!
Runner up - Queensland Firebirds
A team looking for a fresh start and some familiar faces are back in the fold. The power of the Mums on court will be a strong threat with both Gretel Bueta & Kim Ravaillion finding great form in preseason hit outs. The defence end keeps building each year & Romelda having a standout season in 2020 will be looking good again!
Wooden spoon - Melbourne Vixens
This was a SUPER tough one & a little controversial. With the teams all starting to find their feet with new players and some youngsters coming into the fold it was hard to pick this one.
I love the Vixens, however think they will struggle without depth in the goaling end & now we this loss of Liz Watson (can't replace Lizzy). Safe to say they are in a rebuilding stage in a couple of positions but will still push teams. Knowing the Vixens & their passion, they will probably go back to back :)
Rebel Rising Star - Sophie Dwyer
Youngster in the GIANTS and can SERIOUSLY shoot. Nothing phases her and will take the long bombs all day!
MVP - Gretel Bueta
Grets is on fire in all pre season matches I have seen. After having baby Bobby in January, the new Mum is looking strong & super fit ready to pick up where she left off.
Coach of the Year - Julie Fitzgerald
Because. I think she is great :)
One wild prediction - Chelsea Pitman back in SSN
I just hope that this will come true… She is too good not to be playing SSN
Sue Gaudion
Premier – West Coast Fever
Massive call I know, but if they can get some wins early and build confidence their list is capable of a Premiership in 2021
Runner up – NSW Swifts
Genuine list, lessons learned in 2021 from being the hunted, pressure off and will shine again in 2021
Wooden spoon – No comment
This is by far the hardest to predict. I say without any confidence at all....nope I can’t do it!!!
Rebel Rising Star – Sunday Aryang
Genuine superstar in the making!
MVP – Geva Mentor
Coach of the Year – Stacey Marinkovich
If WCF can make finals off a 12 point deficit, it would be a no brainer.
One wild prediction - Richo makes her mark at Collingwood and Pies deliver what they always promised
Nat Medhurst
Premiers – NSW Swifts
The NSW Swifts were close to making back-to-back Grand Finals and, with an pretty much unchanged line up, they will be keen to make amends for missing out in 2020. Incredibly well led by Maddy Proud and Paige Hadley, they are close knit and play for each other. Strong depth across the court, which will serve them well to win another Premiership in 2021.
Runner up – Queensland Firebirds
2020 showed glimpses of what this team is capable of showing and I believe that 2021 will be their year to stand up and deliver. What was once a young & inexperienced defence line, has now developed into one of the strongest in the league and with the return of super mums Gretel Bueta and Kim Ravaillion (back in to the purple dress) they can make the grand final return which has been missing in recent years.
Wooden spoon – Collingwood Magpies
Believe 2021 will be yet another building year for the Magpies. A strong defensive end led by Geva Mentor, but don’t believe they will have the attacking power and flexibility in the goal circle to put the pressure on the scoreboard across the season. The return of Ash Brazill from knee injury will be a big win for the team and will look forward to seeing her dominate and put a hand up for the Australian WD bib and selection back into the Squad. Will wonder how much pressure will be on the team and if results will impact their continued standing in the competition.
Rebel Rising Star – Sunday Aryang
Was a huge impact player for the West Coast Fever in 2020, making people sit up and take notice and saw her inclusion in the Australian 21U Squad. 2021 will provide her with more opportunities to utilise her long arms and skill against the league’s top shooters.
MVP – Karla Pretorius
Undoubtably the league’s best defender and her consistency every season has resulted in absolute headaches for her opposition shooters… and two Premierships in the process. Incredibly smart, agile, elusive and hard working. Without Langman there to steal any votes off her, Karla’s consistency for the Lightning and impact she has will see her crowned the League’s MVP
Coach of the Year – Megan Anderson
The Firebirds were starting to show their potential in 2020 and Megan will bring another element to the Firebirds in 2021. Her recruiting and development of the existing players, will see them make a finals appearance in 2021.
One wild prediction – West Coast Fever make the Grand Final
Not sure if it really that much of a wild prediction, but let’s roll with it! Given they played in the 2020 Grand Final and lost by 1 goal, they have the players to get the job done. With the recruitment of Sasha Glasgow in the off-season, she will provide a different element to their shooting circle and believe swinging Courtney Bruce out to GD more in 2021 will also pay dividends. The likes of Verity Charles and Jess Anstiss will also grow in confidence following their current Australian Squad selection. A big test will be how they deal with their season if they hit a speed hump the first 1 to 2 rounds of the season. Whilst they can be incredibly dangerous, they can also be their own worst enemy.
Paddy Regester
Premiers – Queensland Firebirds
From wooden spooners in 2019 to premiers in 2021, at least in my crystal ball. The tools are all there. A seriously dangerous attack end, a trio of really exciting defenders and a sneaky deep midcourt. And I’m backing new Head Coach Megan Anderson, who is one of the best netball heads in the sport, to get the most out of this talented roster.
Runner up – NSW Swifts
I love this Swifts roster and I think the inconsistency of 2020 was an exception to what we should expect from Briony Akle and this talented list. Much like the Firebirds, it’s all there, but my gut is telling me this could be the Firebirds’ year.
Wooden Spoon – Collingwood Magpies
I hate to do it, but it’s the Magpies for me here. I will say, I’m predicting a super tight league this year, with no team running away with it. But unless we see drastically more points in the “for” column, the Magpies will end up with the utensils.
Rebel Rising Star – Maisie Nankivell
There are so many great choices here, from Sunday Aryang, to Tippah Dwan, Sophie Dwyer, ect, ect, but I’m going Nankivell to go back-to-back.
If the Tbirds are going to get better, players like Nankivell have to step up, and I saw signs of that last year. 60 minutes at WA passing to a shooting circle that should be better… Nank could go large.
MVP – Sam Wallace
I think we’re all desperate for someone other than a shooter to win the MVP right now, but we have some outrageous GA’s and GS’s roaming around out there, and Sam Wallace is one of the best. In fact, I’m backing her to be THE best in 2021.
Coach of the Year – Stacey Marinkovich
A prediction of mine that didn’t make this list is that the West Coast Fever will finish third, and if that happens, you have to give Stacey Marinkovich the Joyce Brown as she bids farewell to the Fever and moves into Diamonds life.
One wild prediction – SOME people end the season liking the Super Shot
I have worn skinny legged jeans since they became cool in 2006, that is until a few months ago when my 13-year-old niece told me they were lame. Now I’m going with something with a bit more space, and after some rough days and buyers remorse… I'm loving it!
Change is sometimes good but certainly not for everyone. I think, now that the teams have had a season and a full pre-season to work on it, the Super Shot could be one of those sometimes.
Wait, what’s that in the basket, netball fandom? Is that… rotting fruit and vegetables? Please Gaud… please Gaud, noooooooo!
