Collingwood Magpies v NSW Swifts
When: Saturday 21 July, 3pm
Where: Hisense Arena, Melbourne
Tickets: Purchase here
Broadcast: Live on Channel 9
The Magpies are now theoretically out of the finals race, but they can certainly still play spoiler on the run home. This is the last chance saloon for the NSW Swifts who will need to win and win big here, to claim as many bonus points as possible. English Rose Natalie Haythornthwaite has been enlisted to aid the Swifts cause, but the Magpies have shown in recent weeks that they have the form to challenge the big guns. It’s a danger game for the Swifts and a chance for the Magpies to claw back some pride.
West Coast Fever v Queensland Firebirds
When: Saturday 21 July, 7pm
Where: Perth Arena, Perth
Tickets: Purchase here
Broadcast: Telstra TV, Netball Live app
Fever continue to find ways to win, after squeaking past Sunshine Coast Lightning and fending off a huge challenge from the Swifts in a goal fest last weekend. In contrast, the Firebirds lost two games on the buzzer before re-discovering form in their win against the Giants last round. On paper, this match looks like it will be decided by either one of the Jamaican sharpshooters Jhaniele Fowler and Romelda Aiken. But it will be the defence that will shape the result, with Courtney Bruce and Laura Geitz both in fantastic form in the backcourt.
Adelaide Thunderbirds v Sunshine Coast Lightning
When: Sunday 22 July, 1pm (AEST)
Where: Priceline Stadium, Adelaide
Tickets: Purchase here
Broadcast: Live on Channel 9 (South Australia only), Telstra TV and the Netball Live app
The Thunderbirds’ season is over and they are coming off the back of a 73-48 hiding at the hands of the Vixens. Lightning need to win this match to stay within reach of the top four, or even force their way in if the Firebirds falter. A huge lift will be required from Adelaide and their returning star Cat Tuivaiti to challenge a Lightning outfit hungry for back-to-back titles.
Melbourne Vixens v Giants Netball
Giants had a claim on the minor premiership last week before their run was rudely halted by the Queensland Firebirds. It doesn’t get much easier this round, with the Vixens riding high on five straight Suncorp Super Netball wins. The Firebirds disrupted the normally consistent Giants with robust defence and Melbourne will look to do the same thing here. Two sides determined to finish in the top two and this match could go a long way towards deciding which side makes it.
When: Sunday 22 July, 1pm (AEST)
Where: Hisense Arena, Melbourne
Tickets: Purchase here
Broadcast: Live on Channel 9 (NSW, ACT, QLD, TAS, VIC only), GEM (WA only), Telstra TV and the Netball Live app
