The key takeaways from Round 12

The four teams bound for Suncorp Super Netball Finals are now set in stone, but the final order is yet to be determined, making the next two rounds very, very interesting.

The Melbourne Vixens have potentially lost their chance of finishing in the top two after the Queensland Firebirds pulled off a huge upset in front of their purple army.

And it was emotional scenes at John Cain Arena when the Collingwood Magpies cemented a momentous victory in their final home game in Melbourne – taking down the ladder leading the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

While there was one training partner who stepped up and left the opposition in their wake.

Here are some talking points from Round 12.

TOP FOUR SOLIDIFIED

The four teams destined for Suncorp Super Netball finals are now locked in.

The NSW Swifts currently sit at the top of the table followed by the Adelaide Thunderbirds, West Coast Fever and the Melbourne Vixens.

While they can all rest assured they’ll be playing finals, the order of the top four is yet to be determined, and a home semi-final is still up for grabs for each team.

Right now the Vixens have a huge task at hand, they must win their next two matches if they’re any chance of playing at home in the minor semi. Otherwise there’s a strong chance they’ll be on route to Perth – or even Adelaide.

It is still possible for the Vixens to climb to third, but they will rely on Fever to lose.

But the Fever could sneak a top two spot if they come out firing in the next two rounds. They have a relatively easier path to finals too, playing the GIANTS and Collingwood Magpies.

While the Thunderbirds could slip to third if they fail to beat the Sunshine Coast Lightning and Swifts.

The battle between the Thunderbirds and the Swifts in the final round of the season could well determine who takes out the minor premiership and earns that home major semi final.

Either way, netball fans can safely assume the battle for premiership glory will be fiery. The competition is so hotly contested this year that any team could take out the title.

MAGPIES’ EMOTIONAL WIN

There were emotional scenes at John Cain Arena following the Collingwood Magpies’ final home match in Melbourne.

On the court, the Magpies were epic. Virtually seamless from start to finish, they rattled the ladder leading Thunderbirds to snatch a three-goal win.

The historic win didn’t come without a late surge from visitors who outscored the Pies 15-10 in the last. But it wasn’t enough. The Pies remained calm and held possession to run down the clock before Shimona Nelson sunk the final goal and put the game to bed (53-50), in front of their Magpie army.

Emotions flowed after the final whistle when the players and coach Nicole Richardson celebrated the momentous victory, in what was the club’s final home game in Melbourne.

Kelsey Browne was awarded MVP with 40 feeds and 17 assists while Molly Jovic was also a force in the midcourt. She racked up her 1000th feed in her 51-game career. She finished with 35 feeds and 17 assists.

The victory dealt the Thunderbirds a huge blow, making their run at a minor premiership a massive challenge.

The Magpies will next face the Melbourne Vixens at John Cain Arena on the King’s Birthday.

OH MI MI

We said it last week, but we will say it again: Leesa Mi Mi, take a bow.

The speedy midcourter was a standout in the Firebirds’ upset victory over the Melbourne Vixens on Sunday.

Mi Mi was introduced into the team as a temporary replacement for Macy Gardner and never once looked out of place.

Handed the huge task of matching up against Origin Diamonds captain Liz Watson, Mi Mi was more than up for it.

Her speed and tenacity was on full display, and she found Donnell Wallam with ease in the circle. Mi Mi finished the match with 86 Nissan Net Points. She had 31 feeds and 24 goal assists.

She also picked up a spectacular intercept late in the final term to help her side edge away from the Vixens.

If the last two weeks are anything to go by, Mi Mi’s future is bright.