It was introduced without consultation, is resented by many players and coaches and despised by a section of diehard fans. Love it or hate it, this could be what decides the Grand Final.
It was introduced without consultation, is resented by many players and coaches and despised by a section of diehard fans who believe it has no place in the competition.
But love it or hate it, the super shot – an attempt worth two points if landed from designated long range in the final five minutes of each quarter – is part of the Super Netball competition that seems set to stay.
And no team has taken to it more than the Giants.
Giants captain Jo Harten leads the competition for both super shot attempts and shots landed.
The England international has made no secret of her disagreement with the rule change. But under master coach Julie Fitzgerald, the Giants have adapted best to the change and embraced it as part of their game plan.
WHAT: 2021 Super Netball Grand Final
WHEN: Sat August 28, 202
TIME: 2:30pm first centre (AEDT)
WHERE: Brisbane
While their aim is to “win the first 10”, Giants goalers Harten and young gun Sophie Dwyer shoot nervelessly from long range.
The pair has made a combined 100 super shots this year – adding 100 extra points to their team’s tally – and lead the rest by a good margin.
“We do have a really big focus in our team on winning the first 10 (minutes of the quarter) and we know that we can put up those super shots but we don’t want to become reliant on them,” Dwyer said.
“We just want to be able to take them if they happen to come about.
“Over the season, I especially, and I think Jo as well, have learnt when the right time to take them is.
“We don’t always need them, we can keep taking those ones and then when a two presents itself, go for it.”
Former Diamonds captain Liz Ellis said the use of the super shot would be a fascinating aspect of the decider.
“Both teams have shown that they’re capable of doing it,” Ellis said.
“Obviously the Giants, the stats are all there – and the Swifts, Sam Wallace just loves it and Helen Housby wants the ball to be the super hero.
“But I think what’s really interesting is the Giants have steadied their ship in the last few games by not relying on it so much.
“I think if you watch Sophie Dwyer, she doesn’t care if it’s the super shot five minutes or not, that’s her range, so it’s playing into their hands a bit because she will shoot from that distance in the first 10 minutes and the last five minutes.
“And you’ve seen Jo work out this season when’s the time to pull the trigger, when’s the time to play to a shot regardless of where it is.
“So I think there’s the potential there for it to play a huge role but I also think both teams have worked out that you really only take it when it feels right, you don’t force it.”
FOLLOW THE NETBALL GRAND FINAL LIVE FROM 1:45PM 28/08/21
Originally published as Super Netball Grand Final 2021: Swifts v Giants and the controversial rule