After making her first appearance for the Silver Ferns in 1997, defender Sheryl Scanlan had to wait another three years before regaining selection in 2000. In the interim, she played for Samoa at the 1999 Netball World Cup.

Coming from a sporting family, Scanlan’s brother, Eroni Clarke, played 10 Tests for the All Blacks.

Quiet and unassuming off the court, Scanlan was all action on court, successfully forging a long and productive international career after her re-selection in 2000.

Predominantly used as a goal defence for the Silver Ferns, Scanlan was short for an in-circle defender but an immaculate sense of timing was key to her success. In later years, she proved an equally-effective wing defence.

Timing and explosiveness off the mark were Scanlan’s hallmarks. Light of foot, the defender covered ground effortlessly, her speed, timing and elevation being a disruptive and potent weapon against opposing shooters.

Strong with the ball in hand, Scanlan was also a forceful attacking defender with her decisive drives through court.

Scanlan had the ability to turn games, late heroics often becoming match-winning plays from the reliable defender, who competed at the 2002 Commonwealth Games for the Silver Ferns as well as two Netball World Cups (2003 and 2007).