The tireless workhorse does not get the recognition she deserves for her quick footwork, aerial game and hunger for the ball at the back for the struggling Southern Steel.
But her ANZ Premiership statistics back up a stellar season, sitting fourth for defensive rebounds (10), sixth for intercepts (12) and seventh for deflections (29).
Impressive, considering Burley is not the tallest circle defender going around, standing at only 1.8m.
"I think for me a big work-on has been my footwork, and, I guess, how I can grow my game and how I can use my movement to try and get more ball," Burley said.
"I haven’t quite gotten to where I want to be but [I’ve been] seeing little improvements in games, or in trainings ... "
The goal keep has been a shining light for the Steel, which has had seven straight losses to open the season.
It is the defenders around her she credits with elevating her game.
Stalwart Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit’s knowledge is second to none, helping Burley focus on her own job, and Courtney Elliott played a similar style to Burley, with both moving and hunting ball.
Her game continues to go from strength to strength as she settles into her place in her side’s last line of defence at the back.
"I’m really enjoying goal keep actually.
"Last year I probably preferred a bit more GD, but I’m really enjoying being able to see the court from the end and having a look for ball.
"It’s been really fun trying to have a voice back there."
Burley is in her second year with the Steel, having moved to Invercargill last year from the Northern Mystics and three seasons prior with the Northern Stars.
The shift from the bright lights of Auckland to the deep South had initially been a shock, but she quickly adapted.
"I’m really loving it.
"I came down this year more comfortable in knowing everyone and kind of had that feeling of ... coming home, rather than trying to start fresh and find my feet."
But she will need to draw on her Auckland connections when she comes up against her former team, the Stars, tonight.
The Stars have been pummelled in their last two games, 71-57 against the Magic and 58-44 to the Pulse, but previously handed those scorelines to other teams.
The Steel came home with a wet sail in last week’s loss to the Tactix, winning the final quarter 16-11, but has been searching for consistency all season.
"I think it’s just our ball retention and also having that trust in each other and the confidence that we are good enough," Burley said.
"Because sometimes you need to learn how to win and that we can be in that contest. I think that will be good.
"It’s a good feeling for us to know that we can be within it."
Morale among the Steel camp has been solid, with players holding their heads high and striving to put their best on court, she said.
"Obviously we’ve had some big disappointments this season and it’s hard not to kind of let it hurt the heart a little bit, but in terms of our team environment, and our energy, it’s been really, really good.
"I think that’s the most important thing because you see the real culture of a team when you are losing, you are under the pump, and ours is doing really well and we haven’t turned on each other.
"We just need to focus on that and let everyone know the good things that we do and build each other up."
The Steel has a double-header and will play the Central Pulse on Monday. Steel manager Dayna Kaio will bring up her 100th game with the team in Wellington.
- An inquiry has been launched into the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic’s controversial 62-61 loss to the Northern Mystics last weekend in the ANZ Premiership, The New Zealand Herald reports.
With the scores tied, Mystics shooter Grace Nweke was awarded a penalty — potentially after fulltime — after contact was called on Magic defender Erena Mikaere and sank the resulting attempt to win the game.
It is so far unclear whether the investigation could change the result of the game.
A decision expected within a week.
Netball New Zealand chief executive officer Jennie Wyllie said the inquiry would be led by an independent panel which will examine all the footage and information.
Former Silver Ferns coach Yvonne Willering has floated the idea of a player challenge system — similar to those of the NRL and cricket — to counter umpiring blunders.
Wyllie said it was something NNZ would review in the off-season.
ANZ Premiership
Pulman Arena, 7.15pm, today
Southern Steel: Eseta Autagavaia, Georgia Heffernan, Saviour Tui, Jess Allan, Sam Winders, Ivari Christie, Kate Heffernan, Renee Savai’inaea, Kate Burley, Courtney Elliott, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit
Northern Stars: Maia Wilson, Jamie Hume, Amorangi Malesala, Gina Crampton, Samon Nathan, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Holly Fowler, Kelera Nawai-Caucau, Elle Temu
