West Coast Fever still sits in a dominant position at the top of the Rebel Sport ladder, but competition is fierce for finals spots, with just six points separating second place from seventh.
Who will consolidate their place in the top four this week? Let’s delve into all four contests.
Melbourne Vixens V West Coast Fever
When: Saturday June 16, 3pm
Where: Hisense Arena, Melbourne
Broadcast: Live on Nine, Telstra TV, Netball Live app
A tough loss against the Sunshine Coast saw the Vixens tumble to sixth on the ladder.
The job gets no easier this week, with Melbourne to host the in-form West Coast Fever.
After the Fever were shocked by the Queensland Firebirds, they held off a gallant GIANTS Netball 63-61 to stay at the top of the ladder.
Both Queensland and Giants showed that midcourt pressure can rattle the Fever, which is exactly what the Vixens will need to do here. If they can’t, star shooter Jhanielle Fowler is likely to put on a clinic inside the goal circle.
Adelaide Thunderbirds V Queensland Firebirds
When: Sunday June 17, 12.30pm
Where: Priceline Stadium, Adelaide
Broadcast: Live on Nine (Adelaide only), Telstra TV, Netball Live app
Adelaide may still sit at the bottom of the ladder, but the improvement has been sharp in recent weeks.
The Thunderbirds claimed their first bonus points of the season against the NSW Swifts last round and were desperately unlucky not to claim their first win as well.
Now they need to back it up against one of the competition’s best teams in the Firebirds, who are in the premiership frame after knocking off the Fever a couple of weeks ago.
It doesn’t get much harder than this for the Thunderbirds, with Romelda Aiken at one end and Laura Geitz at the other, but their first win has to come at some point.
GIANTS Netball V Collingwood Magpies
When: Sunday, June 17, 1pm
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Broadcast: Live on Nine, Telstra TV, Netball Live app
Collingwood breathed new life into their season with a much-needed win against the Queensland Firebirds last round.
Part of that victory was built around the coaching decision to start centre Kim Ravaillion and defender Sharni Layton on the bench, delivering one almighty shake-up to the Magpies’ roster.
Layton came on late in the third quarter breathing fire, with her defence critical in securing the win.
The Giants will still be left wondering what could have been after coming within an inch of lowering the Fever’s colours in Perth.
Now the Magpies and Giants will meet in a rematch of last year’s minor semi final, which the Giants won in a thriller.
It’ll be fast, physical and could well be match of the round.
NSW Swifts V Sunshine Coast Lightning
When: Sunday, June 17, 3pm
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Broadcast: Telstra TV, Netball Live app
Look out, Suncorp Super Netball league – the Lightning are back! Three straight losses had the defending champions reeling, but they have righted the ship with three straight wins.
The Swifts were made to work against Adelaide and now face a stern challenge here against a Lightning outfit improving each week.
With Sunshine Coast skipper Caitlin Bassett now approaching her best form, goal scoring won’t be a problem for the Sunshine Coast.
Instead the test could be in defence, where the competition’s premier goal defence Karla Pretorius will be tasked with countering English Rose Helen Housby, whose output could decide this game.
