Able to cover the midcourt and defence end, Canterbury’s Dell Bandeen turned out in two Tests for the Silver Ferns in the three-Test 1948 series against Australia.

Originally, the versatile Bandeen had been a defence player before switching to centre which she played for many years, and was the position for which she was picked to play in the first Test in Dunedin. However, because of her height, the selectors sprung a minor surprise when opting to play the 26-year-old at goal defence.

Bandeen was a prominent provincial player during a dominant Canterbury era.