The Thunderbirds played some of their best netball last weekend against Magpies Netball, only to come undone in the final quarter and hand Collingwood their first win in 2018.
Thunderbirds coach Dan Ryan said the team’s 20-goal loss against Collingwood contained 51 minutes of good play and nine minutes where they fell off the pace.
“We are seeing gradual improvements in our games, week by week, and that will continue to come if we stick to the task.
“Our group is developing, all we can do is stick to the task on what we are trying to achieve and the true fans will stay with us,” Ryan said.
Fortune certainly isn’t favouring the Thunderbirds at the moment, with the club announcing there is no set timeline on the return of injured shooters Cathrine Tuivaiti and Sasha Glasgow.
“Tuivaiti is currently focussing on building strength in her knee.
“Sasha wasn’t able to fully take part in the pre-season due to her ankle and is currently getting court time playing for the Southern Force,” Ryan said.
The Thunderbirds will entertain a Vixens side heading on the road for the first time in Season 2 and reeling from its first loss of the season.
Vixens captain Kate Moloney said the Thunderbirds are a bit of an unknown but have a lot of options.
“They’re a very different team to what they were last year, and when they’re playing well, like in that first and second quarter against the Magpies, they can match it with anyone.
“There’s nothing tougher than playing a team that’s just come off a loss, and the Thunderbirds have had three quite significant losses over the last three weeks. But they’re improving every week and they’re getting closer and closer,” Moloney said.
With only three points separating second to sixth on the Suncorp Super Netball ladder, the Vixens hit the road for the next three weeks and early points will be critical in clinching a top four spot come August.
“These are three really important weeks for us, there’s no easy team in this competition, and we have three really tough games on the road. But we love travelling together, so it will be good for us to get away and hopefully play some good netball,” Moloney said.
The action starts at 12.30pm (local time) at Priceline Stadium.
Game Information:
Adelaide Thunderbirds v Melbourne Vixens – #THUvVIX
Priceline Stadium, Adelaide
Sun 20 May – 12.30pm (local time)
Watch: Nine (Adelaide only), Telstra TV
