Netball Super League | 2023 Season Preview: Celtic Dragons

Shaquanda Greene-Noel and Clare Jones of Celtic Dragons share a laugh

Progress is the watchword for Celtic Dragons this year, as they look to build on a season of transition last year under new head coach Dannii Titmuss-Morris.

With just a few new additions, Dragons will hope their continuity will help them better last season’s tenth-placed finish.

Boasting a large proportion of the Welsh Feathers squad, there will be plenty of incentives for strong performances with the Netball World Cup in July.

Last Season

Three wins from 20 does not tell the whole story for Dragons last year, who went toe-to-toe with those towards the top on a number of occasions.

Two wins against Severn Stars sandwiched an impressive victory against play-off chasers Leeds Rhinos but there were also single-goal defeats to Surrey Storm and Wasps that displayed plenty of potential for this term.

🐉 vs 🌪 T-5 days 🤩 https://t.co/bq5iMRNQMO

— Clare Jones (@ClareJones03) February 6, 2023

A four-goal defeat to runners-up Loughborough Lightning and a three-goal deficit against fourth-placed London Pulse is evidence that Dragons are not far away on their day.

Signing Window

Consistency is key for Dragons, who have made just a few changes to their squad ahead of the 2023 season.

Shooter Gabby Sinclair has arrived from Australia’s Collingwood Magpies, with Chelsea Beard returning to join her in attack alongside Zoe Matthewman.

Our Dragons want you to support us this season at House of Sport 🐉

Get your tickets to all our home matches by clicking this link 👇https://t.co/E1tvlywPHi #greenarmy #wearedragons pic.twitter.com/ZcMNiviHcR

— Celtic Dragons (@celticdragons_) February 6, 2023

Wales captain Nia Jones is a notable departure in midcourt, but new skipper Clare Jones will be joined by Ally Housley who has joined from Wasps alongside defender Ella Powell-Davies.

Star Player

Dragons’ dancing goal keeper Shaquanda Greene-Noel was one of the breakout stars of the 2022 campaign, as she won plenty of fans for her imperious defending as well as her celebrations.

The season of enjoyment! Promised myself I’m gonna enjoy this one! First pre-season run out with the girls @celticdragons_ it did not disappoint! 💚🐉.
So much more to come! 💪🏿💚. Thank you God for your mercies. pic.twitter.com/UwcLi5vXUL

— Shaquanda Greene-Noel (@QuandaNoel) January 30, 2023

The Trinidad & Tobago captain earned 119 turnovers, 93 deflections, and 57 interceptions last year at the heart of the defence and will look to build on a blistering first NSL season.

One to Watch

Ella Powell-Davies stood out for Wales during the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where the Feathers beat the Scottish Thistles on their way to an eighth-place finish, before qualifying for the 2023 World Cup.

The former Wasps defender was a late addition to the squad but could now be set to form one of the Netball Super League’s most fearsome defensive outfits with Greene-Noel and England Futures athlete Annabel Roddy.

What they said

“The narrative that we created for ourselves last year was really positive,” said Clare Jones.

The Drama.
The Party.
The League.
It all starts here.

Watch all the action on 11 February at the Season Opener and across #NSL2023 live on @skysports 📺

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) February 6, 2023

“We were super happy with our results in terms of how competitive we were but this year it has to be about turning those results in our favour.

“We are happy with everyone that has been retained and then we have some new faces who have slotted right in. We are pretty happy as a squad.”

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