Couldn’t agree more Ian…I think Lisa Alexander has a great record of combining players with little to no domestic ‘combos’, however Norma and NZ coaches have often favoured established combinations when/if possible. Tricky for Lisa though given vixens are only attack line in the SSN final series with more than 2 attacking players available for diamonds.
I do think that Klau would do well to be eased into play with Turner out the front. Weston seems to have a strong hold on the GD bib, but id try her at GK or on the bench given how many turnovers she’s been making of late. I’m also tempted to see Tippett and Philip run a moving circle. Bassett isn’t close to her top form, and quite seriously the lack of height in the ferns defence end shouldn’t be as competitive as its being allowed to be.
I also think they are missing Simpson and rav a lot more than many people are commenting on – their styles match up extremely well on NZ, even if their SSN form wasn’t remarkable the past couple of years. Simpson, Geitz and layton all brought such mongrel and enthusiam to the diamonds defence end…. the current crop while still impressive just don’t have the same fear factor.
Despite my critique of Aussie, I feel like the ferns have now won by a single goal with Ekanasio play the games of her life with near perfect % – all it will take for the diamonds to seal a 10+ goal win is for Maria or Amelia-Anne to have an ‘off’ shooting day. Just hope its not tonight 🙂
