Who will stake their claim?

By Stephanie Smarrelli 
 
 
One undefeated team, four huge match ups, and zero margin for error. Buckle in for Round 5. 

The ladder is logjammed, with five teams sitting on two wins they’ll need to break out of the pack this weekend to set themselves up as true contenders.  

There’s plenty of epic battles on the horizon this weekend. 

But it's the rivalry between VIC and NSW in the spotlight as the Swifts and Vixens battle for the Sargeant-McKinnis Cup.  

The Swifts are still undefeated, but the Vixens are coming in hot after a win against the Mavericks. 

And the Vixens won’t shy away from enemy territory as they look to climb the ladder. 

The last time these teams met at the Suncorp Team Girls Cup there was only a goal separating them, setting up what could be a nail-biting clash. 

For the Vixens to pull off an upset, their defensive unit will need to get under the skin of the Swifts’ potent attack.  
 
Grace Nweke continues to dominate under the ring. 

The 23-year-old leads the league for goals scored with 202 at 93 per cent accuracy, all from close range, giving the Vixens plenty of time to intercept before the ball reaches her. But the Swifts have also been most accurate in the league when going for the Suncorp Super Shot with Helen Housby slotting 60 per cent of her attempts.  

While the Vixens are combining for an average of 55 per cent, if this match turns into a shootout there will be little room for error in the Vixens’ goal circle. 
 
Expect it to be a tight tussle with Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin’s partnership humming last weekend against the Mavericks. 
 
Teigan O’Shannassy, Maddy Turner and Sarah Klau have been stringing together impressive performances all season for the Swifts.

 
In terms of goal assists Hannah Mundy is tied with Housby leading the league’s playmakers on 78 apiece, capable of passing around strong defensive work. 
 
With both teams possessing firepower across all thirds, it’s going to come down to which team is able to capitalise the most in the important moments.  

 
REST OF THE ROUND 
 
First up this weekend the Firebirds host the reigning premiers at Nissan Arena.  
 
The Thunderbirds’ last two rounds proves the side is beatable and this will instil confidence in a Firebirds outfit determined to cement their spot in the top 4. 
 
The Firebirds are fourth on the ladder with Mary Cholhok leading the way in the goal circle while Ruby Bakewell-Doran is flourishing in defence. 

On the flipside, the Thunderbirds are still sitting in second but need to find their rhythm again. 

Their attack end seemed a little lost last weekend and will need to fire this week to remain among the top teams.  

Keep an eye out for South African defender Sanmarie Visser. 
 
We got our first look at her last weekend, and she did not disappoint with three gains, two intercepts and five deflections. Expect her game to grow as the season unfolds. 
 
Over in the west, Fever will face a wounded Mavericks. 
 
Fever are on the charge, with two wins in the last two weeks they’re nipping at the heels of the top four. 

With Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard leading in attack Fever look like they’ve got a new lease on life confident to let the ball go into the goal circle. 
 
While the Mavericks will be desperate to put last weekend behind them. 

An eight-goal loss to the Vixens looks a lot more flattering for the Mavs than the match was with the side needing to clean up their turnovers if they want to compete with the best this season. 

The Mavs are yet to win a game against Fever but last round could be the loss they needed to kick into gear this week. 

Then on Sunday the Lightning clash with the GIANTS. 
 
These two teams always give it their all against each other. 
 
They’ve traded wins over their last few encounters, and no one has forgotten last year’s extra time battle. 

The GIANTS will come into the match ready to fire, with a win against the reigning premiers in the books they’ll be confident they can knock the Lightning down a notch. 

But Lightning are fighting to keep their spot in the top four and off the back of a thrilling loss to Fever last weekend they know they can’t afford to let another game slip.