In what has all the makings of a blockbuster clash, this match hinges on the impact of Contax’s standout defenders, Nate Wood and Caleb Barnden on the elusive, well-oiled goalie combination of Jordan Goggins and creative Aaron Edmead. From the first whistle Nate Wood's presence was apparent. His reading of play and willingness to challenge every pass onto, around and into the circle, slowed Oakdale’s attack, having to pass back, reset and attempt to score. Caleb Barnden’s reading of play and his brilliant transition drives into attack to set up Contax’s attack end created multiple scoring opportunities and they went out to a 5-0 lead in the opening minutes.
Lucas Gulin, fresh from representing Australia in the 17’s International series in New Zealand, came onto wing attack for Oakdale and had an immediate impact with his strong attacking moves and combination with Edmead. This move saw Oakdale rally and for most of the quarter it went goal for goal.
Aidan Kelly for Contax provided a strong target at goal shooter using the hold, set up by Matt Mojares' strong moves at wing attack and Aaron Sykes at centre. Caleb Barnden played a crucial role with his brilliant pacey attacking drives transitioning the ball and setting up Contax’s attack circle. The early 5 goal buffer setup by Contax in the first few minutes remained the difference as the quarter ended.
First quarter scores were Contax 17 to Oakdale 12.
The eternal maestro Steve McInnes moved to goal defence in combination with Adrian Ter Horst in an attempt to quell Contax in their goal circle. Lucas Gulin continued to attack tirelessly supporting Edmead. Oakdale rallied, forcing errors from Contax early in this quarter. However, it didn’t take long before the impact of Nate Wood and Caleb Barnden was felt, and Aaron Sykes was proving to be solid and reliable at centre. The Contax goalers continued to combine well with Kelly’s holding position supported by Aaron Farquharson’s movement in and around the goal circle. Farquharson also provided scoring opportunities. Goggins and Edmead began to click in Oakdale’s scoring circle by reducing high feeds and challenging the defence of Wood and Barnden with a variety of dodges and feints, supported by Gulin and Tyson Gerrie as circle feeders. However, Nate Wood continued to stand out with 5 spectacular intercepts in this quarter.
A very tight quarter saw half time scores; Contax 30 to Oakdale 24.
Damien Martin came back on at keeper for Oakdale in an effort to quell the impact of Aidan Kelly at shooter. Contax defenders continued to provide headaches for Oakdale’s attack end. Wood notched up interceptions and taps with Barnden collecting these and driving like a lightning bolt into attack. Quickly it seemed, Contax’s lead soon extended to 10. Despite the tireless efforts of young gun Lucas Gulin and ‘old timer’ Aaron Edmead, Wood and Barnden were awesome and strongly supported by their attack end, particularly Sykes and Kelly who was having a brilliant game at shooter.
In what was a BIG quarter for Contax, they won the third 17 to 10.
Third quarter scores were Contax 47 to Oakdale 34.
It was goal for goal to start the final quarter. Aaron Sykes steadied play at centre for Contax and provided their attack with much confidence as they built on their lead with strong transition and creative interplay between Farquharson and Kelly in their goal circle.
Nate Wood came off with what looked like a jarred knee and young inexperienced, Burgan came onto goalkeeper. This gave Oakdale’s feeders and goalies a sniff at less defensive pressure, but Contax continued to apply just that, attacking relentlessly and building on their lead. In what was a near flawless display of attacking, positive netball Contax put their best foot forward, and possibly their best game thus far!
A number of standout performances, particularly Wood, Barnden and Kelly, it was clearly a great team effort.
Final scores were Contax 62 to Oakdale 44.
Player of the Match was Contax Goalkeeper Nate Wood. He collected an amazing tally of 15 intercepts and numerous taps, and his impact and influence on court in contributing to Contax’s stand out performance saw him receive the First Nations Round Gift, commissioned by the talented artist Gabriel Stengle.
Another standout player who unfortunately has not been able to wear a bib since the 6-minute mark of the first game of this year’s Super League season is Clayton Wells. As a 9-year-old, Clay started playing netball at Southern United Netball Association until he was 12. His interest then turned to basketball. Representation in the Indoor Netball Under 16 State Mixed team soon followed in 2013 and in 2015, he moved to the Under 18 division. Clayton then moved to SAMMNA, representing in the Under 23’s in 2016 until 2020 when he was selected in Open Men’s. Covid forced a break and then when Adelaide hosted the 2022 Nationals Clayton was in the Open Men's team.
He again represented SA in Perth for 2023, and this year in Brisbane he played in the Open Mixed team where he was selected in the Australian squad.
In the prelude to this year’s Super League season Clayton had his best preseason preparations and was looking to feature prominently for new club Contax. However, disaster struck at the 6-minute mark of the first quarter, Clayton ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and tore his meniscus. Naturally this put his netball aspirations on hold as he awaits surgery later this month.
This multi skilled young man is adept at many positions including the goal circle, WA and C. Clayton is an immensely talented and gifted netballer, whose match play is highlighted by creative attacking play and effervescent leadership. Clayton also has a pivotal role on the SAMMNA Board so his positive impact continues to grow. I’m sure along with readers we all wish Clayton all the luck and success with his imminent reconstruction surgery, a brilliant recovery and rehabilitation, as we hope to see him wearing a bib come next Super League season.