By Matt Fotia
Some poor early season form put a halt on any sort of 2024 Lightning premiership challenge, with the Sunshine Coast outfit finishing their year with a minor semi final loss to the Fever.
The Lightning were the big players in last year’s signing window and shot to early premiership favouritism after signing Diamonds duo Courtney Bruce and Liz Watson.
But they were unable to gather any momentum into the start of their 2024 campaign.
A 16-goal opening round win over the Swifts promised plenty, before a four-game losing streak (which included two extra time thrillers) put the Lightning right back with the chasing pack.
Things started to click into gear following their round five loss to the GIANTS, and the Lightning began to not only win the games they should win, but also compete with the top four, importantly keeping their percentage strong.
Belinda Reynolds’ side were offensively strong, ranked second for goals scored, goals from gain and goals from centre pass and built a high-speed offence thanks to high work rate of Watson and Leesa Mi Mi.
There was plenty to like defensively, with Ash Ervin bursting onto the scene in place of the injured Courtney Bruce, but the Lightning did concede some big scores in 2024 at times and finished the home and away campaign the sixth best defence.
With a return to the finals and an extremely exciting game style the future still looks bright, despite the Lightning falling short of early season predictions.
BEST WIN
Sitting 1-4 and coming off a (controversial) shock loss to the GIANTS, the Lightning made the trip to John Cain Arena to take on the undefeated Vixens.
Missing Courtney Bruce and Ava Black, the undermanned Lightning trailed by five at quarter time but turned it on after the first break to hand the Vixens their first loss of the season, winning 64-57.
Liz Watson went to another level in her first encounter against the Vixens, racking up 45 feeds. 22 assists, two gains, two deflections and an intercept, while Ash Ervin began to put her name in front of the Diamonds selectors standing up in Bruce’s absence, snaring nine gains.
The seven-goal win kick started the Lightning’s season and more or less earned them a finals berth.
The Lightning pulled off a massive heist at John Cain Arena in round six.MVP
A difficult choice between two Australian greats, but Liz Watson just gets the nod ahead of Steph Fretwell.
Both players were extremely important to the Lightning’s success this season but given the intrigue around whether Watson could maintain her lofty standards in an unfamiliar environment, the Diamonds skipper wins out.
Watson led an inexperienced mid court with aplomb all season and once again proved why she is the best wing attack in the world, finishing the home and away season with the most feeds, most assists, most minutes played, and most centre pass receives.
She had less than 40 feeds on just three occasions in 2024 and notched a half century four times, finishing the year with 700 in total.
Her leg speed, and speed of ball, made the Lightning a must watch side and it will be interesting to see what she and the Lightning can achieve in 2025.
Liz Watson was at her undeniable best again in 2024.FOCUS AREA
Patience is the key for the Lightning and their faithful.
Yes, they have one of the most star-studded line ups in recent memory, but they are also littered with youngsters in the early stages of their career.
The likes of Ava Black, Reilley Batcheldor, Leesa Mi Mi, and Ash Ervin will continue to improve and with that will come more consistent performances, both individually and as a team.
Another pre-season will only strengthen connection sand it should translate onto the court.
If Belinda Reynolds and co can get iron out the little bumps in the Lightning’s game, we could see them turn into a ruthless winning machine in 2025, the one we expected to see in 2024.
