SENZ netball expert Storm Purvis has given her thoughts on Dame Noeline Taurua’s Silver Ferns squad to compete at July’s Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Midcourter Kate Heffernan is the only player yet to receive a cap in Taurua’s 12-strong squad, as the coach has opted for experience in the side’s bid to claim the Commonwealth gold.
While many players were considered shoo-ins including Kelly Jury, Phoenix Karaka and Bailey Mes, some inclusions and omissions have caught Purvis’ eye.
“I think Kayla Johnson is a name that I wasn’t really expecting to be there,” Purvis said on SENZ Mornings.
“With Karin Burger being ruled out prior to trials of Comm Games with that foot injury, I think Kayla is definitely the name that has been the biggest winner, so to speak.
“She plays that WD/GD slide like Karin does and is probably one of the only players in the country that can confidently play in both positions so it’s a real like-for-like swap.
“I understand Kayla was actually sick last week and didn’t even travel down to trials so clearly it was just a name that Dame Noels had in her head from the get-go, as soon as she knew Karin was out, she just locked in Kayla.”
With little court time across the 2022 ANZ Premiership, Purvis has questioned Johnson’s inclusion but admits her experience at the highest level will benefit the side under the pressure of the Games.
“Kayla hasn’t really played too much this season, she’s been behind Holly Fowler and Elle Temu on the Stars bench but she is a tried and true performer in the black dress,” Purvis continued.
“So, Kayla Johnson for me (is the) biggest winner.”
Purvis believes that midcourters Maddy Gordon (central Pulse) and Sam Winders (Waikato BOP Magic) were the biggest ‘losers’ in the selection’s aftermath, having produced phenomenal performances in the 2022 ANZ Premiership yet neither received a call.
Winders has captained the side in previous international seasons and was also named Ferns’ Player of the Year in 2021, making her a notable omission.
The Ferns have just over a month to prepare for their first match of the Games, with their first match set for July 29.
Photo: Michael Bradley Photography
Silver Ferns Commonwealth Games squad:
Maia Wilson
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Bailey Mes
Grace Nweke
Gina Crampton
Shannon Saunders
Whitney Souness
Kate Heffernan
Kelly Jury
Sulu Fitzpatrick
Kayla Johnson
Phoenix Karaka
Reserves:
Ameliaranne Ekenasio
Tiana Metuarau
Claire Kersten
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan
Elle Temu