Suncorp Team Girls Cup: Five things we learned

By Stephanie Smarrelli 

Following an off season signing period that shook up the competition, the Suncorp Team Girls Cup gave everyone a glimpse of what each side is capable of this season. 

And with 11 out of 16 matches during the weekend-long tournament decided by four goals or less, season 2024 is gearing up to be the most unpredictable and exciting season yet. 

Here's five things we learned from a blockbuster weekend of netball. 
 

The stars of the future are up to the challenge 

Throughout the weekend, every Suncorp Super Netball head coach took the opportunity to inject their youngsters into the game. 

Zara Walters starred for the Melbourne Vixens putting her hometown Colac on the map as she proved she can fill the shoes of former captain Liz Watson. Walters performed consistently throughout the weekend and tallied 59 Nissan Net Points in the final against the Swifts, on par with Swifts veteran Maddy Proud.  

Speaking of young Vixens, elevated training partner Lily Graham held her own in the goal circle, connecting smoothly with the Vixens attack. 

Fever's Olivia Wilkinson took advantage of her minutes on the court shooting at 77 per cent accuracy and looked like a natural fit in Fever's attack line.  

New Firebird Isabelle Shearer was prolific in defensive with 10 gains and six intercepts during her time on court. 

Over at the Lightning Leesa Mi Mi made her presence known at her new club and Reilley Batcheldor looked confident post ACL injury. 
 

Mavericks finding their way  
The hype surrounding the Melbourne Mavericks has been building all off season from the acquirement of Commonwealth Games gold-medal-winning coach Tracey Neville to the announcement of captain Amy Parmenter. The Mavs however, failed to come away with a win at the Suncorp Team Girls Cup. 

Dealt a heavy blow with Sasha Glasgow succumbing to a lower leg injury a few weeks ago, the Mavericks needed to use the tournament to trial possible replacement players whilst also testing their combinations and plans against their opposition.  

The Mavericks have the depth to cover Glasgow with South African training partner, Rolene Streutker putting her hand up for selection slotting goals at 84 per cent accuracy, her movement fitting in well with those around her. While Shimona Jok was also a solid option under the post on the weekend shooting at 98 per cent accuracy.  

The Mavericks had moments of brilliance during the tournament but were unable to capitalise to put any wins on the board.  

Naturally as a new team there will be some teething issues, but the Mavericks need to find their rhythm quickly ahead of their season starting on April 14 against the Vixens who will hit the court in their usual clinical manner. 

The Mavericks will also likely need to find a replacement for defender Lauren Moore who went down in agony in their final match on Sunday, the extent of her injury still to be confirmed. 

With two key signings seemingly out of action the Mavericks have a mammoth task ahead as they enter their inaugural season. 

The Mavericks may embrace the unconventional, but the question remains whether the unconventional will be able to hold up against the rest of the competition?
 

The reigning premiers still have what it takes  
During the off season, many questioned whether the Thunderbirds would still pose a threat in 2024 with the departures of Eleanor Cardwell, Maisie Nankivell and Tippah Dwan. 

But the Thunderbirds' premiership defence looks to be in good form with the side convincingly defeating the Melbourne Vixens and Queensland Firebirds while they had a tight one-goal victory over the Lightning and only dropped their match with the GIANTS by two-goals. 

They were without midcourt stalwart Hannah Petty who is working through an ankle injury but were energised by new recruits Laura Scherian and Romelda Aiken-George.  

Georgie Horjus shone in attack, the 22-year-old slick both in wing attack and goal attack.

New Thunderbird Lauren Frew's partnership with Lucy Austin worked well at Suncorp Super Netball level, the duo reunited after coming up through the South Australian pathway together as teammates.  

The Thunderbirds' trademark defence was strong throughout the competition. The side finished third at the tournament and will take their learnings into the season.
 

Fever not fazed by offseason departures   
During the off season the Fever recruited heavily, with only four players from their 2023 side remaining. Despite the changes in their lineup the Fever looked strong throughout the Suncorp Team Girls Cup. 

They were in the mix throughout the weekend with close results showing that they are not going to be easy to beat in 2024. 

Head coach Dan Ryan utilised the bench and the club's training partners throughout the tournament with the on-court partnership between sisters Sunday and Ruth Aryang exciting to watch. 

Defender Fran Williams stamped her authority in the green dress tallying eight gains and four intercepts throughout the weekend, while Kadie-Ann Dehaney's timing over the shot blocked goal after goal.  

In attack Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard did what she does best alongside Jamaican teammate Shanice Beckford and newcomer Olivia Wilkinson. 

Although the Fever didn't dominate their opponents, there were promising signs for the green army to be excited in season 2024.  
 

Stable Swifts driven by hunger 
With the heartbreak of last year's grand final behind them and a stable signing period, the NSW Swifts showed that the minimal changes have kept them at the top of their game. 

Winning the Suncorp Team Girls Cup by a goal, the Swifts didn't miss a beat as they went about their business. 

Returning to the court following a long battle with a knee-injury, goal shooter Sam Wallace-Joseph returned in style with 91 per cent accuracy. 

The dominant performance from the Swifts highlighting that the stability in their team enables their connections to flourish while other teams were still piecing together the puzzle. 

Having cemented their place as serious contenders once again, the Swifts will look to build momentum once the season begins to win it all.