Super Netball Round 10 Wrap

Ellie Wilmore

Mavericks vs Fever

Starting off the round were the Melbourne Mavericks against the West Coast Fever. It was a very tight game, but the Fever snagged the win with a score of 69-63. They have now won eight games in a row, to sit equal lead with the Swifts atop the ladder, both teams with 32 points. The Mavericks are now placed next to the Firebirds, having won only two games so far this season. That being said, the close scoreline of this match highlights how competitive the league can be, despite the teams' ladder placement being so far apart. This intensity keeps the audience on the edge of their seat with every single Super Netball game. Initially the Fever had enjoyed a much wider lead, the first half ending with a score of 38-27. However, the Mavericks picked up their game, with Uneeq Palavi scoring five super shots, with coach Tracey Neville referring to her as their “goal machine”.

Thunderbirds vs Firebirds

The Adelaide Thunderbirds and the Queensland Firebirds also played out an intense match, but the Thunderbirds gained the upper hand, winning with by seven points, 65-58. The Thunderbirds made it extremely difficult for the Firebirds to make a comeback, with Romelda Aiken-George scoring three shots in the final minute. The win earns the Thunderbirds their place above the Firebirds on the ladder, winning five games this season so far. After two losses in a row, this game may be enough to reignite the Thunderbirds’ spirits. 

Vixens vs Swifts

Another thrilling chapter in the long-standing Vixens vs Swifts rivalry saw the Vixens edge out a win on Sunday, the 16th of June, in an intense match. The final score was very close in the end, the Vixens hanging on 70-68. Making this win even more meaningful, it was also the Vixen’s heritage match; wearing shirts that honoured their previous teams, the Melbourne Phoenix and the Melbourne Kestrels. The player of the match, Jo Weston, enthusiastically stated, “I’m happy we got that win in the end.” Weston showed her appreciation of her team, commenting that the win was a “team effort.” The Swifts have proven themselves to be a formidable opponent, with an undefeated start this season, but now two losses in a row could definitely signal a change. 

Giants vs Lightning

The Giants overwhelmed the Sunshine Coast Lightning with a 10-point win, holding firmly onto their lead throughout all four quarters. This is quite an impressive feat, especially with the Lightning having won six out of ten games this season, compared to the Giants' three. The win lifts the Giants off the bottom of the ladder, moving ahead of both the Mavericks and the Firebirds. Sophie Dwyer was named player of the match, with a total of twelve goal assists and 32 points, while missing only two attempts at the net. She makes quite the bold claim in her post-match interview, stating, “This is just the start of our season.”

The Ladder

There are not many changes to the ladder as a whole after round 10, with most teams staying in the same positions as round 9. 

The Swifts are, once more, in the lead, with 32 points, their percentage at a staggering 109.27%.

West Coast Fever, whilst also on 32 points, sit second with a percentage of 107.33%. Both teams are proving to be powerful opponents, each winning eight games thus far.

In third place is the Sunshine Coast Lightning with a score of 24 points, with a percentage of 105.87%.

The Vixens are in fourth, also with 24 points, but with a lower percentage of 101.65%.

The Thunderbirds are in fifth place, at 20 points, with their percentage at 105.2%.

Now on to the biggest shift on the ladder: The Giants, previously in last place, have overtaken both the Mavericks and the Firebirds with their win against the Sunshine Coast Lightning. They now sit sixth on 12 points and a percentage of 91.01%. The Giants, it seems, are making a comeback.

This pushes the Mavericks to seventh position, with eight points and a percentage of 92.84%, and the Firebirds to eight position, also on eight, and with a percentage of 89.22%.

Upcoming Games

On the 20th of June, the West Coast Fever will be facing off against the Adelaide Thunderbirds. This game takes place at 8pm, at the RAC Arena. 

At 5pm on the 21st of June, the Sunshine Coast Lightning will be up against the Melbourne Vixens, at the UniSC Arena.

On the 22nd of June, the New South Wales Swifts will be going against the Giants. This game takes place at 2pm, at the Ken Rosewall Arena. On the same day, the Queensland Firebirds take on the Melbourne Mavericks in the Nissan Arena at 4pm.

All times are in Australian Eastern Standard time. 

Round 11 is sure to be an exciting one! Will the Swifts keep their lead? Will the games be as close as they were this week? Will the Giants keep rising? Tensions are high, and all will be revealed after Round 11.