The Adelaide Thunderbirds produced an impressive team victory in Round Five, with the stats sheet highlighting several key contributors in the side’s 8-goal win over the Magpies.
Co-captain Chelsea Pitman led the way in wing attack, recording a stellar 52 feeds and 26 goal assists on her way to being named Nissan Player of the Match.
She also collected 20 centre pass receives and two pick-ups to bring her Nissan Net Points to 84.
The experience of South African goal shooter Lenize Potgieter shone through as she shot 39/39 at 100%, maintaining her 100% accuracy for her second-consecutive game.
Potgieter also collected two goal assists, three feeds and three pick-ups.
Her impeccable accuracy meant she only picked up one rebound – a reflection on both Potgieter and her shooting partners in Georgie Horjus and Sasha Glasgow.
Horjus impressed yet again in goal attack, shooting 17/20 at 85% to go with 12 goal assists and 14 feeds as she strengthened her connection with Potgieter.
The 18-year-old also had 20 centre pass receives and two pick-ups, increasing her Nissan Net Points to 59.
Young gun Maisie Nankivell also complimented her attack line in centre with nine goal assists and 26 feeds.
The side’s defensive pressure was undeniable all match, led by star goal keeper Shamera Sterling who recorded 136 Nissan Net Points after picking up an incredible 12 gains.
She also collected six intercepts, nine deflections, two rebounds and two pick-ups.
Sterling was well supported by Layla Guscoth in goal defence, who impressed with four gains, one intercept, two rebounds and three pick-ups.
The English international combined well with Shadine van der Merwe in wing defence as the duo shut down their opponents to create opportunities for Sterling at the back.
Van der Merwe played all 60 minutes, picking up two gains, one intercept and two deflections against the experience of both Madi and Kelsey Browne in wing attack.
The Adelaide Thunderbirds will take on the Sunshine Coast Lightning on Sunday as they aim to secure their fourth victory of the 2020 season.
Check out our Adelaide Thunderbirds stat leaders here.
