By Stephanie Smarrelli
There’s a lot riding on 60 minutes of netball this weekend.
For some, a double chance come finals is on the line and two others must win to keep their hopes of premiership glory alive.
Only percentage separates the top three teams, while two sides are desperate to lock in fourth spot.
The Lightning and Mavericks are still fighting for a finals berth in 2024. Win and the Lightning will lock in fourth spot, but if they lose and the Mavericks win the new kids on the block will be off to the finals in their maiden season.
The biggest percentage battle will play out between the top three, with the Thunderbirds, Vixens and Fever all sitting on 10 wins. If all three win their respective matches this weekend the minor premiership and which teams get a double chance during finals will be determined on percentage alone.
Here’s what to expect from what’s sure to be a nail-biting round.
CAN THE VIXENS RECLAIM THE THRONE?
Having held top spot throughout the season the Vixens have slipped to second place off the back of two consecutive losses and will be determined to reclaim the throne this weekend.
But to do so they'll need to defeat the Firebirds who will be laser-focused on finishing the season on a high and sending club champion Kim Ravaillion out with a win.
Ravaillion announced her retirement earlier this week.Heading into the clash the Vixens are in desperate need of a win. Staring down the barrel of three straight losses is a position no team wants to be in as they launch their finals campaign.
The last time the two sides met the Vixens defeated the Firebirds by 13 goals, but having learned their lessons throughout the season the Firebirds will be better equipped to take on the Vixens this weekend.
Emily Moore and Tippah Dwan combined for 12 Super Shots last Saturday compared to the three the duo shot in Round 4 against the Vixens. Their ability to drain a long bomb will be crucial this weekend if the Firebirds are to win the game.
Especially with first-year Vixen Lily Graham stepping up against the Fever last weekend scoring six Super Shots. Teammate Kiera Austin slotted two from six attempts but it's not likely the sharpshooter will have an off game twice.
Kate Eddy dominated in wing defence when the teams played in Round 4 but having only returned from a lengthy stint on the sideline last week the Vixen may not have as much of an impact in Round 14 giving the Firebirds the opportunity to control the midcourt battle.
REST OF THE ROUND
Following the Vixens and Firebirds on Saturday night's agenda the Mavericks head to the west to face an equally in-form Fever.
The Mavericks need to win to keep their finals hopes alive.Both sides were victorious last weekend with one-goal wins, but the Mavericks have their season on the line. The only way the Mavericks play finals is if they defeat the Fever and the Lightning lose their match on Sunday.
While the Fever will enter the match knowing how much damage they'll need to inflict or avoid to jump the Vixens and secure a spot in the top two to have a double chance to earn a spot in this year's Grand Final.
With their eyes on the prize the Fever will throw everything they have at the Mavericks to lock in their opportunity to get the double chance.
On Sunday, state rivals the GIANTS and Swifts go head-to-head.
Sitting on three wins a-piece, the loser of this match up will hold a place in the 2024 history book no team covets, last.
Then to close out the home-and-away season, the reigning premiers take on the Lightning.
The Thunderbirds are undefeated at home and are the most in-form side heading into Round 14 with five consecutive wins.
Eyeing off the minor premiership the Thunderbirds are in prime position to make their back-to-back premiership dreams come true.
The Thunderbirds are peaking at the right time, but the Lightning will want to make their mark before finals and if the Mavericks win need to defeat the Thunderbirds to stay in play.
