The Netball World Cup continues to showcase some exceptional athletes in the midcourt, proving their indispensable role in linking defence to attack and driving the game’s momentum. Let’s explore the standout midcourt players who have been instrumental in their team’s success, displaying their exceptional playmaking skills and unwavering determination on the court. Let’s take a look at the contenders:
LIZ WATSON
Watson, the talented Wing Attack and the Aussie skipper, has been a standout performer in the midcourt. With 73 centre passes received and 92 feeds, she has orchestrated the attacking plays for the Diamonds, showcasing her precise passes and impeccable vision. Watson’s ability to quickly distribute the ball to her teammates, finding the likes of Koenen and Garbin with ease, has been a key factor in Australia’s fluidity and efficiency in the attacking third. Her leadership on and off the court has undoubtedly played a significant role in driving the team’s success in the Netball World Cup.
Follow my lead. pic.twitter.com/DBi6yqvr6P
— Origin Australian Diamonds (@AussieDiamonds) July 25, 2023
ALSO READ: Netball World Cup: The Rise of Shorter Players
CHELSEA PITTMAN
2011 World Cup winner Chelsea Pittman has been a driving force for the England team. As the Wing Attack, with 83 center passes received and 92 feeds, she contests every ball and consistently delivers accurate passes, making her a constant threat on attack. Pittman’s ability to set up scoring opportunities for her team has been instrumental in England’s attacking prowess.
Get. Your. TVs. On.
Five minutes to go in this Pool F decider and it’s the Vitality Roses ahead by two, 52-54 as it stands.#NWC2023 | @NetballWorldCup pic.twitter.com/pZrOcHRvVF
— England Netball (@EnglandNetball) August 3, 2023
TAKONDWA LWAZI
Takondwa Lwazi, the skilled Wing Attack/Centre for Malawi, has caught the attention of fans and experts alike with her dynamic play. Lwazi has 109 feeds, despite her shorter stature, Lwazi has been a key playmaker for the Malawi team. Her quick footwork, crafty passing, and clever court positioning have made her a vital link between defence and attack.
“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate me for being Player of the Match.”
Listen! We’re here for this energy from Malawi’s Takondwa Lwazi – so confident and assured 😍#NWC2023 | #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/jNmneuyqP1
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 30, 2023
ALSO READ: Netball World Cup: The Tallest Players Dominating the Court
KHADIJA WILLIAMS
The Wing Attack, Khadija Williams, has been an unsung hero for the Sunshine Girls. With an engine that doesn’t stop, she has showcased her heart and determination on the court, evident through her 84 center passes received so far in the competition. Williams has also displayed great distribution ability, making an incredible 102 feeds, highlighting her vital role in setting up scoring opportunities for Jamaica’s shooters.
KATE HEFFERNAN
The winner of the Mid Court Player of the Quad Series, Kate Heffernan has been a standout performer for the Silver Ferns. Standing taller than most Centres at 1.81 meters, giving her a height advantage, Heffernan is also able to defend well against her smaller opponents. Her 8 deflections and 4 intercepts demonstrate her defensive prowess and ability to disrupt the opposition’s attacking plays. On the offensive end, she has displayed her excellent playmaking abilities with 50 feeds, setting up scoring opportunities for her team.
Congratulations to Grace Nweke, who was awarded overall Player and Shooter of the Quad Series and to Kate Heffernan who picked up Midcourter of the tournament award 🏆✨
📸: @mbphotonz #NetballQuadSeries pic.twitter.com/csF9XtdlPx
— Silver Ferns (@SilverFernsNZ) January 25, 2023
ALSO READ: Nweke out with injury, SA hopes alive – NWC2023 Update
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Imogen Allison
The centre has been a force to be reckoned with in the midcourt. With 9 deflections and 14 intercepts, she is an essential asset to the Roses’ defence, disrupting opponents’ attacking plays and creating turnovers. Additionally, her precise passing, showcased by 62 feeds, and strategic playmaking abilities contribute significantly to the team’s attacking prowess. Allison’s versatility and all-around performance have been crucial in England’s campaign
Ash Brazill
A menace on the defensive end for the Diamonds, Brazill is always a threat for interceptions. The wing defence has amassed 10 deflections and four intercepts in the competition so far. Her presence alone makes opponents think twice before throwing a ball in her area of the court. However, what sets Brazill apart is her ability to turn defence into attack. Unlike most wing defences, who are primarily defensive-oriented, she has experience playing centre and thus possesses great distribution skills.
Braz turned it on against the Thistles 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uTEuSO6611
— Origin Australian Diamonds (@AussieDiamonds) August 1, 2023
The midcourt competition has been fierce, and these players have undoubtedly left their mark on the tournament. With more matches yet to be played, it will be intriguing to see how these midcourt marvels continue to influence the game and lead their teams towards success in the Netball World Cup.
