But the Adelaide Thunderbirds co-captain can’t reveal whether that will be Folau’s regular role when the side launches its Suncorp Super Netball campaign against grand finalist West Coast Fever this weekend.
Adelaide coach Tania Obst has three players – Folau, Cody Lange and Sasha Glasgow – pushing for the two shooting spots in a team which is confident once more after two seasons at the foot of the ladder.
Folau will be there. Whether she plays out front or wears the GS bib as she has done for New Zealand since the end of last year will be pivotal to Adelaide’s chances.
“That’s a tricky one. I don’t know yet where she will play,” Guscoth said. “The way we’ve been training is every player has been given time in both positions.”
When pressed on the subject, Guscoth said an in-form Folau, playing at goal attack, was one of the most dangerous players in world netball.
“Which ever position she plays, Maria is a huge threat with that long-range shooting,” said Guscoth whose England Roses faced Folau’s Silver Ferns during the 2019 Netball Quad Series.
“That threat from long range would be my number one concern as an opponent.”
The arrival of Guscoth, Folau, Beth Cobden and Shamera Sterling in Adelaide has produced an upbeat vibe that has been missing from the Thunderbirds in recent seasons.
Predicting how internationals adjust to Super Netball can be problematic. Even the most talented imports can sometimes fall short of expectations.
However, Folau is a proven commodity and Guscoth and Sterling have instantly formed a combination that will cause headaches for attackers across the competition.
They have been dynamic during the pre-season, with Sterling set become an imposing figure in defence.
“Her ability to win ball is phenomenal,” Guscoth said of the Jamaican.
Making the leap from competition battler to finals contender is a mighty ask but one Guscoth insists can be made.
“I don’t think it’s too much to ask (making the finals)” she said.
“Sunshine Coast is a different team. We’re a different team.
“I’ve seen teams before go from the bottom to near the top, so I don’t think that’s too much to expect.”
The Thunderbirds take on the West Coast Fever this Sunday 28 April at 3pm AEST in Round 1. Purchase your tickets at supernetball.com.au.
