Anita Navin picks out the players to keep your eye on in 2015
Monday 2 February 2015 18:43, UK
This season will showcase netball at its very best and naming the top four sides might not be as easy as it has been previously. Here are five reasons why...
Maryka Holtzhausen: The South African international joins Loughborough Lightning for 2015. She will mainly play at goal attack, has safe hands, will work hard off the ball and, most of all, has the capacity to take and sink the long shot. She is able to make adjustments to her game to manage a range of defensive styles and she will no doubt add value and be an asset to the Lightning this season. She gets on with her job and is not fazed by pressure.
Chelsea Pitman: Having played her netball in Australia and the ANZ Championship, Pitman has been a welcome addition to Manchester Thunder. She has all the attributes that a wing attack should have and her effective and accurate ball placement will no doubt support Helen Housby and the shooting combinations at the Thunder. Pitman can manoeuvre in the smallest of spaces and works off and on to the circle edge with flair and fluency. The pressure seems to ease when Pitman takes to the court and her confident persona has already strengthened the belief in the Thunder camp. She will be looking to be completely match fit to take her game to the next level as this season progresses.
Louisa Watson (nee Brownfield): The England goal shooter from the World Cup in Singapore in 2011 decided to take a break from the game but is back playing for the Hertfordshire Mavericks. Watson is a confident shooter who has the height and craft to outwit the defence. With her subtle holds, she will pose a challenge to any defensive unit.
Bessie Manu: Joins Team Bath from ANZ Championship team Magic in New Zealand to experience work and netball over in England. In previous years, Manu has expressed an interest in playing in the northern hemisphere and her determination will no doubt be evident as she takes to the court. Manu plays the typical off-line defensive style of a Kiwi and will go hunting for the intercept. Manu will be great addition to Team Bath, who have not always utilised the option of an import.
Nicole Styles: Her adventure to the northern hemisphere from Australia sees her join Team Northumbria. As a national league player in New South Wales, Styles has her heart firmly set on achieving a spot in the ANZ Championship and sees this season as useful preparation in achieving that dream call-up. A defender who will no doubt help as Northumbria aim for a higher placing in 2015.
