Fisher’s goal ‘to not get pushed around as much’

George Fisher shoots for England against the Silver Ferns last year. Photo: Getty Images
George Fisher shoots for England against the Silver Ferns last year. Photo: Getty Images
George Fisher says she has room for improvement.

That will come as great news for the Southern Steel, because the English goal shooter has been exceptional already.

The 22-year-old, who was this week named in the England Roses squad once again, has been a dominant presence in the Steel’s shooting circle.

She has made 170 of her 180 shots, leading the ANZ Premiership at 94% after four games.

It has been a significant factor in turning this Steel team into a highly competitive outfit.

She joined the Steel this year in the hope of learning and experiencing new things.

Already she had been exposed to a "very different" way of operating and playing, something she was enjoying.

Some of those new skills she may put on show tomorrow, as the side faces the Central Pulse in Porirua.

Fisher felt she had discovered some of the holes in her game as well. Those were things she was already looking to rectify.

"Being able to read players and situations, sharper angles, better takes — I think I’m quite soft on the ball," Fisher said.

"That’s definitely where I need to get stronger in general — genuine strength to not get pushed around as much.

"Here [in New Zealand] it’s a lot more contest and contact. Umpires let things go a lot more here.

"It’s just a different style and that’s me needing to adapt to being stronger and take the ball harder."

Having a team of full-time netballers made the Steel set-up very different from what she was used to in England.

Being able to train every day without worrying about players having to get to work was a big difference.

She was also noticing plenty of variety within the competition.

She said each team had brought different defensive styles and that was forcing her to constantly change what she was doing.

The attacking unit was starting to combine well at the Steel too and she was enjoying playing with Tiana Metuarau and Shannon Saunders.

Indeed, she credited Metuarau’s rebounding presence as part of the reason she has shot so well — that and plenty of practice.

"I kind of just shoot. In a game I try not to think about it at all.

"I love shooting with [Tiana] in there, because I’m like ‘if I miss she’s going to get the rebound’.

"I feel really confident in myself because she gives me that confidence knowing she’ll put her body on the line if I miss."

Tomorrow will be the Steel’s second match against the Pulse this year, having won their last encounter two weeks ago in Invercargill.

Despite having lost two stars this year to pregnancy — Katrina Rore and Ameliaranne Ekenasio — it remains a quality team.

Aliyah Dunn provides a strong shooting presence, while Kelly Jury’s height is influential at the defensive end.

In the midcourt, the trio of Whitney Souness, Claire Kersten and Maddy Gordon makes up a threatening unit.

Centre pass is at 4.15pm.

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