The modern athlete is often youthful, fast and energetic. But the new breed of players still need to turn to the guile and wisdom of the veterans of the league, who have been turning out amazing form this season.
Of the five teams remaining in contention for the finals, there have been standout performances from the seasoned hands in their squad. Here are the veterans that hold the key to their team’s success this season.
West Coast Fever: Nat Medhurst
Despite being 34, many experts thought Medhurst was unlucky not to be recalled to the Samsung Diamonds squad for the upcoming International Test Series.
The goal attack from Warracknabeal is tough as teak and is playing just a big a role towards Fever’s success this season as her superstar shooting partner Jhaniele Fowler.
She has 86 caps for the Diamonds and wouldn’t look out of place if given another shot.
Medhurst has the second-highest number of assists so far this season with 320, behind only Liz Watson of the Melbourne Vixens with 373. And when Fowler is being double-teamed, Medhurst has been able to step up to take the shooting role as well.
Giants Netball: Kim Green
The creative wing attack was cut down with an ACL injury in Round 5 last year, that cost her the entire season.
At 32, there were some doubts over how she would bounce back from that injury, but she has quickly put all of those doubts to bed and currently sits third in assists behind Medhurst and Watson.
Green has 63 Diamonds caps and was part of the gold medal winning teams at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the World Netball Championships in 2011 and 2015.
She’s a real attacking weapon that has the strength, speed and – most importantly – the vision they need to be a threat. If the Giants make it to the finals, they will need Green on top form if they want to come away with the honours.
Melbourne Vixens: Renae Ingles
There was a lot of confusion when Renae Ingles (née Hallinan) turned up at the Melbourne Vixens mid-season with her superstar husband and NBA star Joe Ingles sitting in the stands with their children.
When Ingles stepped down to have her twins last year, many thought that season with the Adelaide Thunderbirds was the last time we would ever see her in the national league.
It turns out she didn’t retire, and the 32-year-old’s defence has been so exceptional this season, Ingles has forced her way back in the Samsung Diamonds squad. It’s quite evident that having Ingles present in the mid-court has helped improve the performance of the players around her – with Liz Watson in particular being almost unstoppable in recent weeks.
Queensland Firebirds: Laura Geitz
Once the captain of both the Firebirds and the Diamonds, Geitz returned to playing after the birth of her son and has been fundamental to the success of the Firebirds’ campaign.
She was part of the silver medal-winning Commonwealth Games squad, earning more minutes as the tournament went on.
Then for the Firebirds, her defence has given them a real shot at premiership glory this season.
Geitz has been a great teacher as well, taking Townsville product Kim Jenner under her wing – with the young defender already showing signs that those lessons will craft her into a top player in this league.
Geitz has now retired from international netball and could well be the critical cog that puts the Firebirds on top of the league. If they reach finals, the entire team will be looking towards Geitz for guidance and reassurance in those pressure moments.
Sunshine Coast Lightning: Geva Mentor
Suncorp Super Netball agrees with English star Geva Mentor.
The 33-year-old has been in career best form since the league was established in 2017, leading all players with deflections this season and sitting in second place for most defensive rebounds.
Her form also played a big role in Lighting winning the inaugural Suncorp Super Netball title in 2017.
Out of all the import players to play in Australia, Mentor’s impact since arriving in 2008 has helped inspired a generation of internationals to try their hand at playing in Australia.
Mentor’s defence, coupled with the attacking threat of Caitlin Bassett up front, meaning the Lightning should not be written off this season.
