2020 SSN ROUND 4 – FIREBIRDS v GIANTS

The rule change certainly doesn’t help, but it feels like Bassett has been becoming less dominant for a while. Ever since that match against NZL in Invercargill where Jury was all over her and she was benched, she has become less consistent and less of a target. The best I have seen the Giants attack end flow was at last year’s pre-season competition with Harten/Austin/Green. Austin was having quite an average game until she moved back to GA and everything started to open up. Bassett signed a three-year contract but if Hay keeps improving her WA game (and Austin doesn’t) I’m not sure if she’ll really see much court time. Unless Harten leaves after this year of course.

Hopefully Jenner can keep this up. She has played well for parts of seasons in the past but has always started to give away too many penalties and lose her edge a bit. If she keeps playing like this surely she’ll make the Diamonds 12, they need a ball-winning GD. Mi Mi is another player who was excellent, she’s become so much safer with the balls over the years.

As mentioned, Giants have so much talent in their attacking end. The problem is, from GA-C they are all playing out of position (or their 2nd preferred position).

Harten a better (specialist) GS than GA.
Austin a better GA than WA.
JLP a better WD than C.

With their lineup, they should be producing better results. Is it time for Julie F to step down?

JLP has always been a better WD than C. She has moments of brilliance at C, but if she is not getting her way, she reverts back to thug tactics.

Parmenter is the better player so if JLP cannot step up her game at C, maybe it is time for Hay or OBrian to play C.
Julie F has her favourites like all coaches, and it’s definitely Harten and Price.

Very interesting Tactics bringing 2 young NSW shooters into the hub. Might be getting ready to promote 1 of them next season.

Oh, and Austin is a gun at GA or GS. She could what the Firebirds need next year if Gretel does not return.

I would have thought Venter would be getting more game time at GS. But, Firebirds are sticking with Aiken after years of not performing. Surely they should be looking at different shooting options during this modified SSN league?

Brandly looking good for someone who just had a baby 5 months ago. Another few weeks and she will be the starting GD. Manu’a to the bench

Jemma Mimi really stepped up in this game didnt try to be too flashy but brought a lot of energy and confidence to that attack end(very Tippett/Bueta like). I noticed she spoke up a lot in the huddles and had plenty of advice for the younger players around her, if she can consistently bring that sort of performance she’ll be in with a chance at diamonds selection.

Who else misses the moving circle combo of Pettitt and Harten? I know I do 😥