Four more years. The Silver Ferns finished second at the World Cup in Sydney at the weekend, the eighth time they have had to settle for silver in 14 tournaments. With a bunch of players nearing the end of their careers, netball writer Robert van Royen looks ahead at what team New Zealand might send to England in 2019.
SHOOTERS
Bailey Mes (26)
Mes certainly played her best netball for the Silver Ferns in Sydney. While she still needs to improve her shooting - she shot 79% at the World Cup - there is no doubting her ability to lose defenders and rebound. Whether it involves remodelling her technique or not, she has four years to improve her accuracy.
Maria Tutaia (28)
The desire to win an elusive world title will push Tutaia to play one more tournament. New Zealand does not exactly have a heap of young shooters coming through, so let us hope Tutaia sticks around.
Malia Paseka (20)
Shone for the Magic in the past ANZ Championship and got some valuable court time for the Silver Ferns in Sydney. She is another athletic shooter who finds space at will. Has the potential to develop into a fine player during the next four years.
Te Paea Selby-Rickit (23)
Is yet to play for the Silver Ferns, but has had some time with the New Zealand A team. Selby-Rickit switched from goal shoot to goal attack for the Southern Steel this year, starting all 15 games in the process. She combined well with Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and will only get better with time.
MIDCOURTERS
Grace Rasmussen (27)
Was a breath of fresh air at wing attack in place of veteran Liana Leota in Sydney. Is still relatively inexperienced at the international level but will be a veteran by the time the next tournament rolls around.
Samantha Sinclair (20)
Had an outstanding season for the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in this year's ANZ Championship and looks destined to become a future Silver Ferns star. Can play all three positions in the midcourt, but appears most comfortable at centre.
Jamie-Lee Price (19)
Plays alongside Sinclair at the Magic and appears to have a high ceiling. Generally plays wing defence but can also cover goal defence. Sinclair, the daughter of former Warriors, Australian and Queensland prop Steve Price, is one to watch in the future.
Kayla Cullen (23)
The versatile Cullen had an outstanding World Cup at wing defence and was a big reason the Ferns made it to the final. In addition to being able to play all three positions in the midcourt, Cullen also provides quality cover at goal defence. Could be a star in four years.
DEFENDERS
Katrina Grant (28)
With Casey Kopua and Leana de Bruin unlikely to be around in four years, Grant will be the veteran of the defensive unit.
Phoenix Karaka (21)
After opting to leave the Steel to play for the Central Pulse next season, Karaka and Grant will start building their combination next year. Karaka needs to limit the number of penalties she concedes, but has raw talent and the potential to become a fine player.
Temalisi Fakahokotau (20)
Was touted as a future star after making an eye-opening debut for the Ferns a year ago. However, she was limited to the New Zealand A team this year. Is extremely athletic but needs to limit penalties.
Storm Purvis (22)
Formed a fine combination with Karaka for the Steel this year and is regarded as one of the best up-and-coming defenders in the country. Is yet to crack the Silver Ferns but was involved with New Zealand A this year.
ON THE FRINGES
Southern Steel midcourter
Gina Crampton (23)
Northern Mystics defender
Holly Fowler (18)
Central Pulse shooter
Maia Wilson (17)
Southern Steel midcourter
Shannon Francois (24)
Northern Mystics defender
Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick (22)
