Add to that a do-or-die game for the Magpies against the top-of-the-table Fever and you’ve got one hell of a weekend of Suncorp Super Netball in store.
Sunshine Coast Lightning V Queensland Firebirds
When: Sunday 1 July, 1pm
Where: USC Stadium
Broadcast: Live on Nine, Telstra TV, Netball Live app
Another Queensland derby and one that will have a significant impact on the Rebel Sport top four.
The Firebirds moved to second place on the ladder with their win over the Swifts last weekend while the Lightning sit just outside the top four after their draw with GIANTS Netball.
The Firebirds are finding strength in all positions across the court, while the Lightning have at times been at their championship-winning best but are being hamstrung by slow starts.
The Sunshine Coast outfit will need to find a way to put together four complete quarters to challenge the Firebirds in this one.
NSW Swifts V Melbourne Vixens
When: Saturday 30 June, 3pm
Where: Quay Centre
Broadcast: Live on Nine, Telstra TV, Netball Live app
The Swifts have been impressive this season, with five wins from eight starts. Lapses in games have cost them, though, with the Swifts collecting the second lowest number of bonus points.
The lack of bonus points sees them sitting in sixth place on a congested Rebel Sport ladder, and they’ll be desperate for a big win here.
It will be a tough task, with the Vixens finding solid form in recent weeks with wins over the West Coast Fever and rivals Collingwood. Melbourne will likely miss Emily Mannix with a dislocated finger for this clash, which could be disruptive although her replacement Kadie-Ann Dehaney filled in well last week.
Collingwood Magpies V West Coast Fever
When: Saturday 30 June, 7pm
Where: Margaret Court Arena
Broadcast: Telstra TV, Netball Live app
The Magpies now sit 10 competition points adrift of the Rebel Sport top four and the job will get no easier this week as they host the league-leading West Coast Fever.
The Fever rebounded from a shock loss to the Vixens with a huge win over the Adelaide Thunderbirds last weekend and appear to be back in champagne form.
Sides that have beaten the Fever this season have suffocated the midcourt to prevent ball getting to superstar shooter Jhanielle Fowler. But with Magpies centre Kim Ravaillion in and out of the starting side this year, questions remain as to whether the Magpies have the firepower to do it. It will take a huge lift in form for Collingwood to get the win here, but it will be vital if they harbour any hope of playing finals.
GIANTS Netball V Adelaide Thunderbirds
When: Saturday 1 July, 3pm
Where: AIS Arena
Broadcast: Telstra TV: Netball Live app
The Giants have had a couple of opportunities to move to the top of the Rebel Sport ladder in recent weeks but were unable to put in the dominant performances required to rise above the Fever.
While Dan Ryan’s Adelaide Thunderbirds have shown steady improvement through the season, their 20-goal loss to the Fever last weekend highlighted the gulf between them and the top teams.
The Giants will be looking to put the Thunderbirds to the sword in their bid to lock up a top two position, while the Thunderbirds will be fighting hard to avoid another blowout. Could this be the week we see Cat Tuivaiti debut?
