Fiery NSW derby looms

The GIANTS will host their archrivals the NSW Swifts in a state showdown on Saturday.

It’s the first time the two Sydney-based rivals have met this season and if their previous encounters are anything to go by, this one will be fierce.

The Swifts will enter the match full of confidence, coming off two impressive victories – including one over last year’s minor premiers the Melbourne Vixens.

While the GIANTS will be eager to return to the winners list after a shock loss to the Queensland Firebirds last weekend.

The game could be won and lost in the midcourt when a number of Origin Australian Diamonds line-up against one another.

Amy Parmenter is likely to get the job on Paige Hadley while the match up between Maddy Proud and Jamie-Lee Price can’t be missed.

Whether or not the combination of Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner in the Swifts’ defensive unit can subdue the likes of Sophie Dwyer and Jo Harten, particularly come super shot time, will also be imperative for a Swifts victory.

And Matilda McDonnell will have her work cut out when she lines up against 196cm shooter Romelda Aiken-George.

Last year the GIANTS won the initial derby against the Swifts before the players in red turned the tables in their second encounter to come away with the win.

Either way, we anticipate it to be a close one.

THE REST OF ROUND SEVEN

As we hit the halfway mark of the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season time is running out for the teams in the bottom four to move their way up the ladder.

While those at the top end will look to solidify their place in the finals race.

The Melbourne Vixens will be desperate to snag a win against the Queensland Firebirds, after losing their last two matches.

The Firebirds will be full of confidence after a victory over the GIANTS last weekend. Whether or not Emily Mannix, Liv Lewis and Jo Weston can stop an in-form Donnell Wallam will be the key to a Vixens victory.

If not, the Firebirds could run away with two wins on the trot, leaving the Vixens ruing a loss in another winnable game.

Up north in the sunny state the Sunshine Coast Lightning will have its work cut out when they face the reigning premiers the West Coast Fever, who off the back of a loss will be hard to beat.

There’s no doubt Dan Ryan’s team will be firing on all cylinders and determined not to make it two defeats in a row.

In Adelaide, the Thunderbirds will host an out-of-form Collingwood Magpies outfit.

The Magpies have a stacked list, brimming with talent but haven’t managed to pull it together over the last few weeks.

Can they turn it around against an in-form Thunderbirds side? If the Jamaican defensive duo Shamera Sterling and Latanya Wilson have anything to say about it, a Magpies win is looking less likely.

Don’t miss a moment and tune in this weekend.