Why you can’t miss these head-to-heads

By Stephanie Smarrelli  

There’s been more movement during the last Suncorp Super Netball period than there has been in years. 

Players have been ready to challenge the status quo, while others who feared their career might be over knew it was time to change. The fallout of the decisions made by players and clubs has gifted netball fans with an abundance of new and exciting potential match ups to keep you glued to your seat in 2024. 

We’ve taken a look at a handful of the head-to-heads featuring former teammates. And trust us, you don’t want to miss this. 

Liz Watson vs Kate Moloney 

When you think of the Melbourne Vixens, there’s arguably been no greater duo than Liz Watson and Kate Moloney. 

Two of the nation’s best midcourters, they’ve consistently performed week in, week out. Having come through the Victorian pathway together and debuting a year apart, the two speedsters know each other’s game inside and out. That familiarity has been an asset for the Melbourne Vixens but with Watson now up on the Sunshine Coast they’re set for an unmissable clash on opposing teams for the first time.  

Watson averaged 38 feeds throughout 2023 with Moloney averaging 16, and Moloney spending a fair chunk of 2023 in wing defence. 

Between the two of them Moloney held onto possession with ball in hand better throughout 2024 with only 26 general play turnovers compared to Watson’s 57. 

Both players are quick to switch from attacking to defending mindsets with Watson tallying four intercepts throughout the 2023 season while Moloney took five. In terms of deflections Watson managed to get her fingertips on the netball 14 times and Moloney six. 

Despite being good friends off the court, there will be no love lost when the two fiercely competitive athletes cross the transverse line. 
 

Eleanor Cardwell vs Shamera Sterling-Humphrey 

With the memories of premiership glory still fresh in their minds, former Adelaide Thunderbirds teammates Eleanor Cardwell and Shamera Sterling-Humphrey are destined to go head-to-head. 

The duo were key to the Thunderbirds’ premiership in 2023 with the bookends at the top of their game. 

After a year in Adelaide, Cardwell’s hit the road leaving Sterling-Humphrey behind to follow Tracey Neville to the Melbourne Mavericks. 

One of the league’s super shot specialists Cardwell is unstoppable once she gets on a roll, absorbing the pressure in crucial moments to get the job done. Likewise Sterling-Humphrey isn’t one to go missing in action when the game is on the line. Sterling-Humphrey’s ability to weigh up risk versus reward to leave her opponent in the goal circle and chase an intercept is second to none.  

Topping the league for intercepts and deflections with 46 and 118 during 2023, there’s no stopping Sterling-Humphrey when she senses she can influence the game.  

Having trained together throughout 2023 they’ll know exactly what each other is capable of producing on the court and will push each other as hard as they can. 

Tayla Fraser vs Paige Hadley 

During the signing period the NSW Swifts lost just one of 2023’s contracted 10 with Tayla Fraser chasing a new opportunity with the Melbourne Mavericks. 

Fraser’s departure puts her in position to go head-to-head with her former teammate, Paige Hadley. 

Hadley is a force to be reckoned with on the netball court, averaging 24 feeds a game in 2023 she hits the circle edge with precision and isn’t afraid to clash with her opponent’s body.  

She’s quick on her feet and can play across all three midcourt positions but so can Fraser. 

Under the radar at times Fraser packs a punch in the midcourt, her speed and agility enabling her to swiftly move across the court from defence to attack.   

Despite her stats on paper not looking as flashy as Hadley’s she’s a gamechanger in her own right. The pressure Fraser puts on the opposition helping to create a pressure cooker and force the opposition into costly mistakes.  

The newly minted Maverick treasures possession having only 13 general play turnovers throughout her 16 appearances in 2023 while Hadley ended up with 50.  

Although used mostly in wing defence at the Swifts, the Mavericks are likely to also give Fraser game time in wing attack and potentially centre, so whether or not this match up comes to fruition remains to be seen with it also likely she’ll line up against former teammates Allie Smith and Maddy Proud.  

Courtney Bruce vs Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard 

Part of the West Coast Fever exodus, Courtney Bruce has swapped the west coast for the sunny coast. 

Her decision to head to the Sunshine Coast Lightning means she’ll go one-on-one with fellow netball juggernaut Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard.  

With six seasons together at the Fever and experience against each other on the international stage, the battle on the Suncorp Super Netball court between Bruce and Fowler-Nembhard promises to be thrilling.  

Fowler-Nembhard topped the stats lists in 2023 for Nissan Net Points, goals and goal attempts while Bruce held the most defensive rebounds in the league.  

The nimble defender won’t be daunted by the nine-centimetre height difference between herself and Fowler-Nembhard, with her ability to come off the body and time an intercept arguably the best in Australian netball.  

Although, Fowler-Nembhard is uncompromising in the goal circle, the shooter rarely putting up an off-shot with her accuracy in 2023 at 96 per cent. 

The battle between two of the league’s best will undoubtedly light up the competition in 2024.