Adelaide Thunderbird Samantha Gooden has taken full advantage of Super Netball’s super shot in 2021, leading the League from two-point range with 15 after three rounds.
The 24-year-old was one of few to welcome the controversial new rule when it was brought in just weeks before the start of the 2020 condensed season.
A year on, seeing the rule in action has only consolidated Gooden’s love for the long-range shot.
“I grew up playing basketball and have always been a long-range shooter, so the rule didn’t scare me, I just embraced it and put the shots up when the opportunity presented itself,” Gooden said.
“The rule has created more opportunities for me and has added another element to my game.
“It’s exciting to put up the long shot and see it go in.”
At this stage, the two-point shot is only in play for the final five minutes of every quarter, but the former basketballer said she would be happy to see it introduced for the entire game.
“I wouldn’t mind it, but I think it would take a lot of people to sign off on the idea,” Gooden said.
“Similar to basketball, it would give us the opportunity to get more points on the board for the whole game.
“It can get a little chaotic in the last five minutes with the way it’s currently structured so I think having the two-point shot in play all game would allow it to flow a bit more.
“I do enjoy the last five minutes though and I think that’s how it will stay.”
The Thunderbirds will return home to Netball SA Stadium this Saturday night as the side takes on the West Coast Fever from 6:30pm.
After a disappointing start to their 2021 campaign, the club will be looking for its first win, with the support of its home crowd behind them.
“Our intensity has been building week-to-week and it was a really close battle with the Magpies on Saturday so we’re confident we can get the win at home this weekend,” Gooden said.
“Having the Pink Army behind us makes such a difference, our fans are so loud and passionate which really lifts the team.”
Tickets are on sale now for the Thunderbirds’ Round Four match at Netball SA Stadium this Saturday night. Click here to get tickets.
