We saw plenty of unpredictable results, intense action and the spirit of giving displayed across the whole round in another entertaining week from the world’s premier netball league.
Anyone’s Game
We thought we had a close ladder before Round 7. After more topsy-turvy results over the weekend, we are no closer to determining who will occupy the top four places at season’s end. Just six competition points separate the first-placed West Coast Fever and the sixth-placed Sunshine Coast Lightning. Even the seventh-placed Collingwood Magpies are just eight competition points – a win and four bonus points – away from the top four. The only thing that’s certain is that the remaining half of the season is going to be must-watch action.
Upset Of The Round
The biggest of the upsets this round was the ambush Melbourne Vixens sprung on the West Coast Fever on Saturday. Only the Firebirds had lowered the Fever’s colours this season, with the Perth-based side dominating at the top of the ladder. Melbourne’s centre court pressure was sublime and they claimed a commanding 74-60 win to level the competition in a major way.
Timeouts Under The Microscope
Timeouts have become a contentious part of the Suncorp Super Netball season in 2018. Commentators have been lamenting the fact that some players are exiting the court for questionable injuries to avoid burning a tactical timeout. It is also working the other way, which was highlighted in the Vixens v Fever match on Saturday, where Courtney Bruce left the court for an injury timeout after taking a hit to the throat. Bruce and her coach Stacey Marinkovich were not happy, claiming they had called for a tactical timeout instead. That meant Bruce had to remain off the court until a goal was scored, when she promptly returned to the action.
Winning Isn’t Easy
The Adelaide Thunderbirds came close to a maiden Suncorp Super Netball win for 2018 in Round 6 but slipped back down a few notches against the Queensland Firebirds in Round 7. There has been plenty of discussion about the wholly rebuilt roster, the injection of several young players and injuries to key players. Coach Dan Ryan and the players are working their backsides off, but Adelaide supporters will be starting to wonder if their squad will ever claim a win this season.
It Ain’t Over Until It’s Over
The Sunshine Coast Lightning had a chance of reaching the top of the Rebel Sport ladder on the weekend with a win and four bonus points. Instead, they saw themselves staring down the barrel of a huge loss after dropping the first quarter 19-9 to the NSW Swifts. But the Lightning showed why almost no lead is enough in this league, hitting the front at one point in the third quarter. Credit must go to the Swifts as well, with their young roster ahead of schedule and a genuine chance at a championship this year.
Clubs And Fans Dig Deep
This week was ‘Give for a Goal’ round, which raised money for the Confident Girls Foundation. Every goal scored raised $1 for the cause, which will go towards helping vulnerable Aussie girls reach their life goals. Volunteers also collected donations from the crowds, with the aim to raise $100,000. Any individual, club or player can assist, so to help make a difference in a young girl’s life, visit giveforagoal.com.au
