With teams still stinging after Round 5 losses, including the previously unbeaten Fever, the improving Thunderbirds and the Collingwood Magpies, who are in desperate need of a win and some confidence, there’s everything to play for ahead of the upcoming bye round.
Who will be able to bounce back in Round 6? Here’s what’s on the menu.
SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING v MELBOURNE VIXENS
When: Saturday June 2, 3pm
Where: USC Stadium
Broadcast: Live on Nine, Telstra TV, Netball Live app
The Lightning’s wobbling championship defence is back on track, turning around a three-loss start to the season with back-to-back wins.
This will be a stern test for how they are travelling, taking on a Melbourne Vixens outfit determined to bounce back from their loss to the Giants. Both sides had to come through tough, physical encounters and whoever can rebound the strongest is likely to take the points here.
WEST COAST FEVER v GIANTS NETBALL
When: Saturday June 2, 7pm
Where: Perth Arena
Broadcast: Telstra TV, Netball Live app
The Giants face a tough road trip here, flying to Western Australia to face a Fever outfit determined to make amends for last week.
After four dominant opening matches, the Fever had their defensive end and midcourt exposed by the Queensland Firebirds.
The Giants will no doubt be reviewing the tape from that game as they attempt to emulate the Firebirds’ feat, but that will be no easy task in front of a large and vocal crowd in Perth.
NSW SWIFTS v ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS
When: Sunday June 3, 1pm
Where: Quaycentre
Broadcast: Live on Nine, Telstra TV, Netball Live app
Adelaide produced one of their most encouraging performances of the season against the Lightning last week, but still come into Round 6 without having won a single quarter to date.
The Swifts notched up an important win against the Magpies and will be looking to keep that form rolling as they try and force their way into the Rebel Sport top four.
The Thunderbirds are likely to present a stern challenge again, but will sweat on the fitness of young shooter Charlee Hodges, who took a heavy head knock in Round 5.
COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES v QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS
When: Sunday June 3, 3pm
Where: Silverdome (Launceston)
Broadcast: Telstra TV, Netball Live app
Netball action heads to Tasmania for what is already shaping as a must-win for the Magpies. Semi-finalists in 2017, the Magpies were favoured to go deep again this season with their star-studded roster but have just one win from five starts.
The Firebirds, meanwhile, are humming, with their frontcourt combination of Gretel Tippett and Romelda Aiken hard to break down and their defensive end steeled by Laura Geitz and the ever-improving Tara Hinchliffe.
This will be a critical match in terms of ladder positions for both sides.
