Netball: Loffhagen's life at the top

By RICHARD BOOCK

For Donna Loffhagen, nothing can compare with the prospect of a New Zealand-Australia test match.

She might be only 23, but Loffhagen has been there and done that when it comes to international netball, and is acutely aware of the extra pressure associated with transtasman rivalry.

The New Zealand goal-shoot carried most of the blame for the 1999 world championship defeat in Christchurch after missing an easy shot in the last minute, and took a short break from the game after last year's 23-goal loss to Australia at Newcastle.

But she has been resurgent since moving to goal-attack for the Southland Sting and was one of New Zealand's most influential players during the tri-nations success in Australia this year.

Loffhagen, who made her Silver Ferns' debut during the 1996 Fisher and Paykel series against Australia, is excited about tonight's opening test against the Neighbours, who won the most recent encounter by 10 goals back in June.

"This has got to be the pinnacle of your international career - a test series against Australia.

"We've done all the training, we've done all the talking, and now it's time to put it all out on the court. Everyone's really looking forward to playing Australia because we all want to measure ourselves against the best in the world, and I'm particularly keen to get out there again.

"There's nothing like an Aussie-Kiwi test series, it's as good as it gets."

Her move to goal-attack coincided with the arrival of goal-shoot Irene van Dyk, and the new combination took time to settle.

New Zealand coach Yvonne Willering used Loffhagen and former captain Belinda Colling at goal-attack in the tri-nations series and against the touring English, and was able to change the point of her team's attack as a consequence.

Colling, who concentrates on distribution and positional play, tends to create room and opportunities for van Dyk, while Loffhagen is inclined to shoot more herself, and therefore ease the pressure on her goal-shoot.

Whether Willering will persist with the goal-circle shuffle tonight is not clear, but Loffhagen says she is ready to make whatever contribution is needed, and will not be offended by being given only a bit-part.

"I'm not too sure what will happen on the night. Obviously we've got a few options in the goal-circle, there's a few choices for Yvonne, and I'm sure she'll want to keep the Aussies guessing.

"We're improving with every opportunity, not only against Australia but against other opponents as well, and we're encouraged by that.

"The more time we play together, the better we play together."

One of the constant aspects of the Australian sides that Loffhagen has opposed has been the defensive pairing of Liz Ellis and Kathryn Harby-Williams, a combination which vies with New Zealand's Bernice Mene and Linda Vagana for the title, "world's best."

The Australian pair was caught on the back foot during New Zealand's tri-series win in Melbourne this year, but played out of their skins in the re-match at Sydney.

"They've been there for a long, long time - too long if you ask me," Loffhagen said.

"The good thing is that we've played against them quite a bit and have got used to their style."

"They're familiar, albeit extremely difficult opponents, and in some ways we would prefer to play against them than be up against an unknown quantity.

Meanwhile, Julie Seymour is looking forward to a likely role off the bench.

Back in the Silver Ferns after a 15-month break from the international scene, Seymour is preparing herself for a new role within the squad and says she is not concerned whether she starts against Australia or not.

The unavailability of Lesley Nicol raised the possibility of Seymour's returning at wing-defence, but it seems more likely that Willering will initially favour Vic Edward.

Edward, the Waikato Netballer of the Year, has been good enough to be included as Nicol's understudy this season, and will logically make her test debut tonight.

Seymour said the biggest difference between the side she left and the one she has rejoined was the level of confidence.

"There's some really positive vibes coming from this team now."

Australia: Kathryn Harby-Williams (capt), Liz Ellis, Jane Altschwager, Alison Broadbent, Bianca Chatfield, Jacqui Delaney, Alex Hodge, Sharelle McMahon, Nicole Richardson, Rebecca Sanders, Eloise Southby and Peta Squire. Jill McIntosh (coach).

New Zealand: Bernice Mene (capt), Sheryl Clark, Jenny-May Coffin, Belinda Colling, Vilimana Davu, Victoria Edward, Temepara George, Adine Harper, Donna Loffhagen, Julie Seymour, Linda Vagana and Irene van Dyk. Yvonne Willering (coach).