Netball: Head-to-head for two fierce and focused competitors

They're two of the most fierce competitors in netball and they may go head-to-head for the first time in tonight's round 13 clash between the Southern Steel and Adelaide Thunderbirds in Dunedin.

In the red corner, the Steel's Donna Wilkins: Veteran goal attack, wily play-maker, inspirational leader with a possible future in amateur theatrics. And in the blue corner, Mo'onia Gerrard of the Thunderbirds: Australian international, dogged defender, supremely athletic and, some might say, a bit of a bully. Not to her face though.

Tonight's match couldn't be a more apt setting for the two fiery personalities to finally cross paths in the ANZ Championship. The stakes are high for both sides.

It is a must-win match for the Steel, who are desperately fighting to keep their finals hopes alive. The third-placed Thunderbirds meanwhile have their sights set on a top-two finish, which would earn them an extra life in the play-offs.

Then there is the added motivation of "Rivalry Round" with both sides also battling to bring their country out on top after a weekend of all-transtasman clashes.

Not surprisingly, neither player is backing away from the challenge.

Wilkins has vague recollections of playing Gerrard once before when she travelled across the Tasman for a pre-season tournament with Southern Sting back in the old domestic competition. But Wilkins doesn't need to remember much about that encounter to know she will have one hell of a battle on her hands if she lines up against the Australian defender tonight. For Gerrard's reputation certainly precedes her.

The 1.80m defender has made a name for herself by being ultra-competitive, tenacious, physically imposing and yes, a bit of a mongrel. But Wilkins isn't too concerned about her opponent's hard-hitting reputation and said she has great admiration for the way Gerrard plays.

"I think she's one of those players that never gives up, she shows she wants to win the game, which I really respect," said Wilkins, who despite having not played for the Silver Ferns since 2002 remains one of the best shooters in the country.

Wilkins said she has had 12 weeks of tough, physical battles in the transtasman league to prepare her for tonight's clash. "I'm used to having lots of bumps and bruises when I come off after a game, so I don't think this one will be any different."

"Mo'onia gives away a wee bit in height so obviously that's why she has to be a bit more physical.

"You've just got to be aware of meeting the ball and taking your feet to the ball," said Wilkins. Gerrard likewise has a healthy respect for her possible round 13 adversary.

Wilkins, a player known for wearing her heart on her sleeve, has entertained crowds all season with her animated expressions on court.

The former Silver Fern and international basketballer never leaves you in any doubt over what she may think about an umpiring decision or the treatment she is copping from an opponent. But Gerrard said this was what made Wilkins such a great competitor.

"She's definitely a passionate player and she does give it a crack, which is a good thing in netball, I think there should be more personalities like that out there," the 28-year-old said.

Besides, Gerrard joked, being able to turn on the theatrics is these days a prerequisite for playing in the shooting circle.

"Oh I think most shooters out there Hollywood it up," she said.

"I guess I'll have to be a bit of a rock out there and not respond to it."

Gerrard may not be willing to respond to Wilkins antics, but the sell-out crowd expected at Dunedin's Edgar Centre certainly will. Gerrard is likely to get a tough time from the Southern fans, but you get the feeling she's looking forward to it.

"We just want to win, if we can rile up the locals then all the better."

Following the Steel-Thunderbirds showdown attention will shift to across the Tasman, where the Melbourne Vixens take on the Canterbury Tactix in tonight's late match.