When: Saturday 28 July, 3pm (AEST)Where: USC Stadium, Sippy DownsTickets: Purchase here Broadcast: Live on Channel 9
Last time they met in Round 7:
NSW Swifts (59) defeated Sunshine Coast Lightning (56)
Match-Up
Swifts
Lightning
Mins. in Possession
31
28
Gains
9
12
Intercepts
5
3
Deflections
12
16
Goal Shooting %
92
91
The Swifts came out of the blocks on fire in this game, winning the first quarter by ten goals – a margin which Lightning couldn’t pull back all game.
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Game talking points:
It’s that time in the season where everyone is keeping one eye on their own results, and another on the teams around them. Lightning go into this game knowing that the Melbourne Vixens will have to do well to beat West Coast Fever on their own court later in the day – therefore a good result is likely to land them a final’s position come the end of the weekend.
The Swifts have come a long way since last season, and will already have one eye on next year’s campaign. With one of the youngest teams in the division, they are well placed to have a strong few years to come.
If Lightning want to win…
Lightning are playing a Swifts team low on confidence, as they haven’t won a game since defeating Sunshine Coast back in Round 7. They have had a tough run of fixtures along with the heartache of drawing to the Collingwood Magpies last weekend, when Erin Bell sunk a mid-ranger right on the buzzer. They will be trying their best to rallying themselves but if Lightning can get an early lead it will take a huge effort from the Swifts to raise themselves and get back into the game.
If Swifts want to win…
Lightning have some big names in their team including Geva Mentor and Caitlin Bassett, among others, possibly showing that they are the more experienced side. The Swifts have a young, enthusiastic roster who are theoretically playing with nothing to lose – a dangerous proposition for any opposition.
Key match ups:
Karla Pretorius (Lightning) and Helen Housby (Swifts) have both displayed excellent netball skills this season and will be the pair to watch in Saturday’s game. Both have an outstanding leap and it will be interesting to compare their styles of play. The Swifts tend to play well when Housby is on song, so her contribution to the game is a key component if they want to come out victorious.
