NETBALL SCOOP: Trans-Tasman Series Wrap

The Australian Kelpies stamped their authority on international men’s netball, dominating all four Trans-Tasman test matches by hefty margins. They seamlessly rotated all 12 of their athletes on court during each game, showing the depth of their squad with both experienced campaigners and exciting newcomers all making outstanding contributions. However, the Kelpies still had over 20 turnovers per game, and so have room for growth. Jerome Gillbard played in his final test match after announcing his international retirement, after playing a pivotal role in the shooting circle for a number of years. 

With just a three day camp prior to the tournament, and a number of fresh faces, it was a tough series for New Zealand’s NetBlacks. With coach Helene Wilson trying to find a way to slow down Australia, rotations were frequent and turnovers far too high. However, they built across their campaign and narrowed the margin with every outing. Particularly pleasing was their ability to feed their shooters more safely across the series. While they are currently in a period of transition, the NetBlacks have some exciting talent and will look to build on their performances against Australia. 

 

RESULTS

Test 1 – Wellington: AUS MEN 84 def NZ MEN 34

 

NZ

Mikaira Raerino 23/28 (82%)

Thomson Matuku 10/17 (59%)

Elliot Clark 1 / 2 (50%)

Total: 34/47 (72%)

 

AUS

Liam Killey 29/30 (97)

Dravyn Lee-Tauroa 15/20 (75%)

Jerome Gillbard 23/26 (86%)

Brodie Roberts 17/21 (81%)

Total: 84/97 (81%)

 

MVP: Jerome Gillbard

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Test 2 – Auckland: AUS MEN 75 def NZ MEN 30

NZ

Mikaira Raerino – 21/21 (100%

Thomson Matuku – 8/12 (67%)

Elliot Clark – 1/1 (100%)

Tanekohurangi Apaapa 0/1

Total: 30/35 (86%)

 

AUS

Liam Killey – 39/44 (87%)

Dravyn Lee-Tauroa – 11/16 (69%)

Jerome Gillbard – 13/15 (87%)

Brodie Roberts – 12/14 (86%) 

Total: 

 

MVP: Brodie Roberts

 

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Test 3 Canberra: AUS MEN 78 def NZ MEN 36

• Unofficial stats thanks to Michael Hutchinson

AUS

Liam Killey – 35/37 (95%)

Dravyn Lee-Tauroa – 14/15 (93%)

Jerome Gillbard – 17/21 (81%)

Brodie Roberts – 12/15 (80%)

Total: 78/88 (89%)

 

NZ

Mikaira Raerino – 21/21 (100%)

Thomson Matuku – 5/8 (63%)

Elliot Clark – 10/14 (71%)

Total: 36/43 (84%)

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Test 4 Melbourne: AUS MEN 71 def NZ MEN 39

AUS

Liam Killey – 29/29 (100%)

Dravyn Lee-Tauroa – 11/16 (69%)

Jerome Gillbard – 19/23 (83%)

Brodie Roberts – 12/13 (92%)

Total: 71/81 (88%)

 

NZ

Mikaira Raerino – 28/32 (88%)

Thomson Matuku – 3/5 (60%)

Elliot Clark – 8/9 (89%)

Total: 39/46 (85%)

 

MVP: Alistair Punchon

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MATCH SUMMARIES

Match 1

The Kelpies put on an absolute clinic, defeating an underdone NetBlacks by 50 goals. While Jerome Gillbard used all his courtcraft to nail down the MVP, newcomer Liam Killey also showed that he will be a star of the future, topscoring with 29/30. Liam Forcadilla had an incredible workrate through the centre, and was in outstanding touch around the circle with 41 feeds. In defence, Josh Bryon (7 gains) and Alistair Punshon (5 gains) made the avenue to post difficult for New Zealand. 

Returning captain Kruze Tangira shone in what was a tough outing for the Netblacks, holding defence and attack together for his side. However, a centre pass to goal conversion rate of just 38%, and 42 turnovers, really hurt New Zealand. Tim Apisai had three gains for his side, but all the defenders chimed in to pinch ball from Australia.

 

Match 2

While New Zealand stayed with Australia in the first quarter and overall reduced the margin from test 1, statistically it was a worse outing for them, with the same number of goals as turnovers – 45 apiece – and just a 36% centre pass conversion rate. However, Mikaira Raerino was effective under the post, finishing with 21/21 (100%) while an enthusiastic Oceon Grady pulled in four gains. 

For Australia, the practiced 10 year combination of Gillbard and Brodie Roberts was a highlight in the shooting circle, with MVP Roberts finishing with 28 feeds to go with his 14 centre pass receives. Punshon was everywhere in defence, finishing with seven gains, while Jack Vandervelde had a strong 40 minutes out on court. 

 

Match 3

While it appeared unlikely after a first quarter deficit of 7-27, New Zealand were able to reduce the final margin to just 32 in a much improved outing. Killey (35/37) and Raerino (21/21) were prolific for their respective sides. After a heavy collision Australian centre Forcadilla was temporarily sinbinned, giving the NetBlacks an extra player which they took advantage of with a five goal run. The match was played in the AIS, Canberra, as part of super Saturday featuring a number of mens and mixed games. 

Match 4

Punshon finished with MVP honours in the last test, as Australia again dominated proceedings by 32 goals. Forcadilla had an immense game in the centre, in perhaps his best series in the green and gold. The Kelpies  also farewelled one of their favourite sons, Jerome Gillbard, amid emotional scenes from both sides. Gillbard will continue to play in Western Australia but will no longer make himself available for national selection. However, he went out at the top of his game, with one pass in particular, late in the game, showing that he’s lost none of his uncanny skills. 

Apisai was again among New Zealand’s best, finishing with six gains as he worked with Joh Tukaki and Grady to make life more difficult in the circle for the Australian shooters. The NetBlacks 34 turnovers were still on the high side, but their centre pass conversion rate of 48% was a definite improvement.  Circle feeding also gained momentum – by the final test the Kelpies circle defenders were only able to come away with three clean gains between them.

 

 

HOW THEY FARED

THE SHOOTERS

Australia

While Gillbard’s courtcraft and presence in the circle is a huge loss to the Kelpies, they should be well served by Killey for many years to come. A focal point, the 206 cm tall Killey continues to hone his craft and is incredibly accurate. He plays in Victoria alongside the electric Brodie Roberts, who continued to set up attacking play for Australia, balancing skill with flair as he cut his way under the post. Dravyn Lee-Tauroa came off the bench with good impact – previously one of the most exciting defenders in the mens’ game, the 23 year old is still learning his craft at the opposite end of the court, but his movement was on point and he’s happy to shoot from range. 

 

New Zealand

Raerino appears to be a focal point around which the NetBlacks can build their game. Tall and athletic, his jumpshot is hard to stop under the post when feeds into the circle are on song. In the earlier stages of the tournament Thomson Matuku was predominantly used at goal attack in a side that is light on for shooting power, and his beautiful high-arching shot was hard to defend. However, former Western Australian Elliot Clark staked his claim on the role after largely being used at centre in tests 1 and 2. Clark proved to be a more accurate option, and was strong in both attack and defence.

 

 

THE MIDCOURTS

Australia

If there’s a better set of middies in any code than the Kelpies, we’ve yet to see it. They hummed in attack using the width and depth of the court, continually changing up the speed and length of their distribution, while also forcing numerous turnovers with their defensive prowess. Their work on circle’s edge in both directions was also outstanding. Coach Nerida Stewart regularly rotated her five to keep their legs fresh, and as a unit they were peerless in whichever combination they ran with.

Forcadilla had his best ever series in the green and gold, using his speed and smarts to stream through the court in attack, while also adding strong defensive pressure. His combination with nimble wing attack Riley Richardson goes from strength to strength, while Dylan Nexhip had a strong captain’s series shutting down multiple attacking options. Jack Vandervelde continues to grow his game at wing defence and centre, while debutante Joe Miller was a seamless option in wing attack and centre. 

 

New Zealand

With so many changes made by coach Helene Wilson, it was hard to gauge the NetBlacks new look midcourt. Swinging through the rotations so rapidly made it difficult for them to gain rhythm, and far too many turnovers resulted as they struggled across the transverse line and looking into the circle. Kruze Tangira made a welcome return, and the highly respected star was a pivotal link in centre and wing defence.

New Zealand’s best quarter was their first in test 2, when they were only outstripped by one goal. The midcourt remained unchanged across the 15 minute period, and they gave up just the one turnover and two penalties, showing glimpses of what they can achieve with more time together. With all three midcourt positions switched in the second term they then slumped to their worst 15 minutes, being outstripped 3-22. Te Matahiapo Hynes was industrious at wing attack in the first term, and combined well with Liam Dalton in centre. Eriata Vercoe provided backup, but was expensive with turnovers along with goal attack Matuku.

 

THE DEFENCE

Australia

The Kelpies line featured just three circle defenders, but they were a brick wall that proved difficult to penetrate. Josh Bryon, Alistair Punshon and Victor Nikolic were used in a range of combinations, all with great success. Their ability to confuse space and contest in the air shut down multiple attacking options, and the trio combined for 29 gains across the three matches analysed on Champion Data. It is worth noting that their collective gains decreased across the series from 15 to 11 to 3 however, as New Zealand gained a better handle on how to feed their shooters – Raerino in particular – under the post. 

 

New Zealand

With different options available, coach Wilson has yet to work out the best way to use her five defender strong unit. Individually each of them were promising, but rotated so quickly they found it difficult to gel connections. Timmy Apisai had limited minutes earlier in the series, but was particularly effective at goal defence in test 4 where his height and agility troubled his opponents and he finished with six gains in that match. He and the energetic Oceon Grady were generally rotated through the same position, with Grady also coming up with some useful grabs. Joh Tukaki’s height and strength made him a viable option against Killey, while Tane Apaapa proved to be the most versatile, with stints at wing and goal defence, and also goal attack. Dylan Bartels had cameos at goal keeper but as one of three options in that role, found it difficult to get out on court.