Kaylin van Greunen is a defender’s nightmare.
At 189cm, the Bull Sharks goal shooter presents not only an imposing match-up for her opponent but also a commanding presence for teammates to look for as they transition into attack.
Although still only 17 years old, van Greunen is happy to initiate contact with older and more experienced opponents and possesses court smarts that belie her age.
Like basketballer playing in the post, she is adept at jostling for court position and then using her body to protect the flight of the incoming ball.
Once in possession of the ball that close to goal, her height makes it very difficult for defenders to stop her from scoring.
This was on full display in her performances for Queensland in the recent Under 19s National Netball Championships where she hit the scoreboard more than any other player, scoring 178 goals from 197 attempts, shooting at an incredible 90 per cent.
The Toowoomba teen has now been selected in the Australian U19s squad and will travel to Canberra in July for a camp at the Australian institute of Sport.
What sets her apart and creates nightmares for opposition defenders and coaches alike is that when she comes across a powerful player who can match her physicality under the net, she simply gets on her bike and becomes a more mobile threat.
Director of Netball Kim Boland said that her versatility and strength in the circle stood her apart from many other goal shooters.
“She is a strong holding shooter, she positions her body very well in contests against her opponent,” she said.
“But she also has great versatility to her game.
“She is very mobile and is happy to move when required which makes her very dangerous.
“Often taller players who are great holding shooters don’t have that variety in their game.’’
The Downlands College year 12 student travels from the Darling Downs to the Gold Coast twice a week to train with the Bull Sharks.
She immediately made her mark in her first appearance in the Hart Sapphire Series against heavyweights ACU North Brisbane Cougars last week.
Although the Bull Sharks fell short against the winners of the past three Sapphire Series premierships, van Greunen was selected in the competition’s team of the week.
The side is selected by the coaches across the league and van Greunen’s 37 goals at 82 per cent was considered an outstanding return from her first outing at the elite level.