EXCLUSIVE: Melbourne Vixens co-captain Liz Watson on Super Netball rule changes, Queensland quarantine

Melbourne Vixens co-captain Liz Watson says she expects all teams of the Suncorp Super Netball competition to make the most of the new Super Shot rule.

The competition last month announced the introduction of a two-goal \ in the final stages of each quarter.

The two-goal rule will be in force for all attempts taken from more than three metres away from the net during the final five minutes of each quarter.

Watson said despite the new rule coming as a "shock," she's confident her squad will be more than ready to take advantage of it when the season kicks-off this weekend.

"It was a bit of shock, I don't think anyone expected that," Watson told Wide World of Sports.

"We have long-range shooters in our team so we absolutely back them and they're really excited to take on this challenge. No point dwelling on it, they're not going to change back the rules.

"It has been a little bit tricky not being able to have practice matches, we've only been able to do inter-squad kind of stuff.

"I think everyone's just excited to play and I know the shooters feel comfortable. The coaches have backed them and told them: 'Whatever feels comfortable, go for it'."

Watson added she has no doubts that the rest of the league will adapt and won't ignore the new rule as it will make larger leads easier to chase down.

"Absolutely," Watson said when asked if shooters will test their long-range abilities.

"I think we're so used to seeing that tall shooter under the post. So, I think lots of teams have that more-moving shooter who takes that longer-ranged shot.

"Looking at the zone that's set up at training, It doesn't look too far out. Most of our girls shoot from that range anyway.

"I think in the last five minutes and they get into that zone, I think they're just going to go for it.

"I think it's really going to change the game and I think a five or eight-goal lead is nothing anymore. So, it's really going to make it exciting."

Like the AFL, the Suncorp Super Netball league to decided to move its teams to Queensland once border restrictions around the nation were imposed after COVID-19 cases started to surge in Victoria and NSW.

Discussing the hub life, the 26-year-old wing attack said she has never been more excited to train with players unable to leave their hotel for any other reasons as part of strict quarantine measures.

"We're currently in day 10 of our quarantine," she said.

"I think it's nice we're actually allowed to go leave and train. I've never wanted to leave and train so much in my life. It's been really good so far. It's going quite quickly.

"We're in a hotel and we have twin-share rooms and we're pretty much off to train and straight back into our rooms. We can walk up and down our hallways and sit on the balconies.

"But we're strictly restricted to four athletes per room if we do want to hang out."

Watson spoke to Wide World of Sports on behalf of her ambassador role with Woolworths who and are looking at ways to assist local netball associations on the other side of COVID-19. 

"I've been with Woolworths for a while now and something I love about them is that they support Suncorp Super Netball and the Australian Diamonds," Watson said.

"They're such a grassroots company and they do want to see netball coming through and I think it's such an important time.

"As of Saturday, they're going to be giving out grants to different clubs and associations who do need that extra help during this time.

"Especially as a Victorian, looking back at home, pretty much all grassroots sport has been cancelled this year.

"Hopefully we can be that team that inspires the young teams back at home to keep their club and spirits alive with all the girls. It's been a really good partnership for the last couple of years."