Thristina Harwood

With a third-place finish and most valuable player honours at last year's Fast5 World Series, as well as a Prime Minister's Award already to her credit, sharp-shooting Jamaican netballer Thristina Harwood heads to her first Commonwealth Games full of confidence.

Ahead of the team's departure yesterday to Glasgow for the July 23-August 3 championships, Harwood is looking to have an impact in the team's attempt to return to the Commonwealth Games podium, a feat they have only managed once in 2002, with a bronze medal finish.

"We will be on the podium at the Commonwealth Games."

Quite a pronouncement from a player that is yet to taste her first Commonwealth Games outing.

Obviously, bulging with assurance, the 20-year-old has been working hard with her teammates over the past few weeks, on techniques - mental preparation, shedding pounds; actual pounds - in her words, she is in the best shape of her young life.

twin-tower attack

This is good news for netball fans, who will need the University of the West Indies student to be at her best if she is to truly add another dimension to the twin-tower Jamaican attack of ANZ stars Romelda Aiken and Jhaniele Fowler - Reid.

"Even at this young age, I am expecting to do well, go out there and play like a senior player; as in - go out there and demonstrate what I have been working on in training," said Harwood. "I know I have the skill and ability to have an impact and I am heading to Glasgow to execute."

Harwood, who has developed a bit of a reputation for her accuracy when shooting from a distance, is excited by the prospect of pairing up with one of the taller shooters, with the 5' 10" goal attack also noting the value of the other experienced members of the team.

"I know I will be playing goal attack with one of the taller shooters, so it wont be too difficult lobbing the ball to them but if I am away from the basket and the opportunity is there to shoot then that is an element that I bring as well. However, if there is a good pass closer to the basket then I will always look to make that play for the easier shot," Harwood said.