Netball: Carrying the weight of great expectations

Julianna Naoupu is hoping for more court time at Magic than she had when she played with the Southern Steel. Photo / Getty Images

She's been tipped as netball's next big thing for the past three seasons, but 2011 looms as the first real chance young shooter Julianna Naoupu will have to prove herself.

After three seasons with the Southern Steel, the 20-year-old will line up for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic next year and is tipped to be the first choice to partner shooting legend Irene van Dyk in the circle.

She arrives at the Magic with a huge weight on her shoulders.

Having impressed in her fleeting appearances for the Steel, many were disappointed not to see Naoupu get more opportunities down south. They expect big things from the Christchurch-born youngster at the Magic.

Naoupu admits having left the comfort of the Steel and only elite netball environment she knows, she is under a lot of pressure to perform. But she says she is excited about the prospect of having more court time and the opportunity to prove herself.

"There is pressure, but not as much as I put on myself. I just want to get out there and prove to myself that I can do it and represent my family well," she said.

"I made the move up because I wanted court time and after three years I think I'm ready to get out there and do my thing."

Naoupu will fight it out with fellow new recruit Jamilah Gupwell, formerly of the Central Pulse, for the starting goal-attack role. Coach Noeline Taurua acknowledges her side's success this year could well hinge on how the pair slot into the side and combine with their key strike weapon, van Dyk.

"That goal-attack position is a key spot for us," said Taurua. "One of the good things is we have got two options and they bring a different set of skills."

Taurua said she had enjoyed seeing what Naoupu brought to the court since she arrived in the Bay of Plenty at the beginning of the month. She believes the 1.74m shooter has the mental toughness to cope with the challenge of moving seamlessly from second-stringer to starting seven.

"Julianna hasn't had the same amount of court time, but she does have some experience behind her and when she has taken the court at this level she's produced the goods. She's really tough mentally."

As well as that steely resolve, Taurua said, Naoupu's strong movement, deceptive speed and willingness to put up the shots made her an exciting long-term prospect.

"She's a strongly built girl, but you don't realise how fast she is until you do the speed tests and you see her against everyone else.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how she combines with Irene."

Naoupu too is looking forward to working with van Dyk and developing a strong understanding.

She said it was a brilliant opportunity to learn and play alongside one of the all-time greats of the game, but admitted she initially found it a bit daunting.

"It's quite scary at times, I've definitely got a lot to learn in terms of feeding her and adapting to the different structures, but I'm up for it."

But Naoupu, who next year will also take up a job with Netball Bay of Plenty, knows she is not guaranteed to waltz straight into the starting line-up. She expects strong competition from Gupwell, but she wouldn't have it any other way.

"I think it'll be good to have her pushing me as well as me pushing her."