A raft of new rules were introduced for the competition’s second year, with timeouts increased, coaching allowed from the bench and longer breaks between quarters.
But the most significant rule change was the introduction of bonus points for winning quarters – creating a game within a game and heightening the excitement in each and every 15-minute period.
With incentives to compete hard in every quarter, no matter what the overall score, the rule is aimed at keeping the excitement flowing all the way through to the final whistle.
And didn’t we see that in action in Round 1?
Only one side finished the round with no points, although the Adelaide Thunderbirds scrapped hard to try to claim a bonus point in the final quarter and were thwarted only in the dying seconds.
West Coast Fever became the first club to claim the maximum eight points – four for the win and another four for earning all bonus points on offer.
Magpies Netball showed how beneficial the new points system can be, losing the match but winning three quarters – including the first quarter with a shot from Caitlin Thwaites in the dying seconds – against the Melbourne Vixens. It meant the Magpies were able to finish with three points and the Vixens five – a real indicator of how close the contest was.
The system also meant that the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning didn’t finish empty-handed, despite losing their respective matches.
Long-term, it means the race to the finals will be an enthralling contest, with winning matches not the only consideration. Fighting losses will play a critical role in teams remaining in the hunt, while dominant wins like the Fever enjoyed will have sides well placed to make the final four.
Round 2 will see the Adelaide Thunderbirds host GIANTS Netball, West Coast Fever at home to the Magpies, the Queensland derby featuring the Firebirds and the Sunshine Coast Lightning and the Melbourne Vixens facing the NSW Swifts at Margaret Court Arena.
