The unmissable grand final rematch

By Stephanie Smarrelli 

You won’t want to miss a second of the round one action when the new season of Suncorp Super Netball gets under way on March 18. 

Expect fierce rivalries, fresh talent and blockbuster match ups that the best domestic netball league will no doubt deliver. 

GRAND FINAL REMATCH 

The unmissable match of the round almost goes without saying. 

It’s the grand final rematch we’ve been waiting for when the Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever go head-to-head. 

In last year’s grand final it was the Fever that convincingly took bragging rights. 

But the Vixens will be looking to wipe the slate clean for 2023 with a win having also lost last year’s semi-final to the Fever, while the Fever will be aiming to demolish the Vixens and set the tone for the season. 

Having already won the Suncorp Team Girls Cup, Fever fans will be confident that their side has what it takes to get the win, however, the star power of the Vixens can’t be underestimated. 

Both teams have the talent to win with the Vixens boasting the likes of Diamonds Liz Watson, Kate Moloney and Jo Weston while the Fever have Jhaniele Fowler, Sasha Glasgow and Courtney Bruce.  

Both sides have premiership winning coaches with Simone McKinnis leading the Vixens to glory in 2014 and 2020 while Dan Ryan took charge and won his first premiership as head coach last year. 

A key matchup to look out for is Courtney Bruce on Mwai Kumwenda, the Fever captain is a general down back with the ability to fly out for an intercept and apply pressure in the goal circle.  

Down the other end of the court the battle between Jo Weston and Sasha Glasgow will have an impact on the Fever’s ability to move the ball in attack.  

In the midcourt the Vixens will rely on club stalwarts Liz Watson and Kate Moloney whose connection is almost unstoppable, however, Fever’s Verity Simmons and Jess Anstiss will be up for the challenge. 

OTHER UNMISSABLE MATCHES

Round one will also feature the Collingwood Magpies and NSW Swifts going head-to-head to see who will draw first blood in the season’s opening match.  

While the Sunshine Coast Lightning and GIANTS will meet at UniSC Arena to see which team will begin their comeback after a disappointing 2022. 

The GIANTS fell heartbreakingly short of a grand final appearance and the Lightning failed to strike ending the season at the bottom of the ladder. 

The final match of round one will be a battle between the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Queensland Firebirds.  

Both sides will have new combinations on the court for the 2023 season with the Thunderbirds looking to Eleanor Cardwell and Lucy Austin to be the answer in their attack end while the Firebirds have a plethora of new combinations to test out across the court. 

The start of a new season brings fresh opportunities, the continuation and possibly even the birth of new rivalries.