Super Netball Round 11 Wrap

Ellie Wilmore

Fever vs Thunderbirds

The West Coast Fever notched their ninth win in a row, taking the victory from the Thunderbirds this week. It was quite close, with only a five point difference between the teams; 68-63. It was an incredibly tight game, with both teams sitting on 51 points in the third quarter. But that extra team effort pulled through for the West Coast Fever, pushing them through the final quarter and giving them the win. The Thunderbirds pushed hard toward the end of the round, as an attempted super shot by Georgie Horjus on the last second of the match just missed the mark, as did the following penalty shot. Dan Ryan, Fever head coach, responded to the fact that they, as well as the Swifts, are quite close to breaking the record of winning over ten times in a row. When asked as to how he felt about it, he stated; “I like records, but it doesn’t really bother me!”, sharing a laugh with the interviewers. However, it was obvious that he is very proud of his team. Dan continued his commentary, stating: “To be honest, it’s great that we are in flow, we are still winning. That was an ugly one tonight, but we still found a way.” It is clear that the Fever are putting up quite a strong fight thus far, as they continue pulling ahead alongside the Swifts. 

Lightning vs Vixens

The Lightning and the Vixens had the closest game out of all the matches this week, as both proved they deserve their spots in the top four. However, with just a three-point difference, the Vixens took the win, with a score of 68-65. This sees the teams swap positions on the ladder, as the Vixens overtake their opponents. Kiera Austin starred, as she scored 22 out of 25 of her goal attempts, as well as 1 of her 2 super shot attempts. It was no surprise to anybody when she was declared player of the match, that’s for sure. When asked about the Vixen’s performance, she stated “I’m stoked with how we came out there after the first quarter. We really adjusted how we were playing and built a really good lead.” However, it wasn’t a complete victory; Austin opened up about a few worries that were sparked during the match. “Disappointed in the last little bit there, they’re a classy team. Not surprised they came back at us.” These two teams remain right next to each other on the leaderboard, fighting for 3rd place. For the time being, the Vixens claim that spot- but the Lightning could take it back as soon as next week. 

Swifts vs Giants

This week the Swifts outplayed the competition, with a score of 75-66 against the Giants. The Giants performed quite well last week, winning against the Lightning, but this time the Swifts were too strong. Despite how low the Giants sit compared to the Swifts on the ladder, they fought very hard during the match. The third quarter even ended with the two teams tied, before the Swifts showed their determination for victory, pulling away from the Giants. The Swifts ended up with two players of the match, being center Paige Hadley and goalkeeper Teigan O’Shannassy. Paige commented on just how close this game was, how the two teams fought neck and neck throughout the whole match. “I feel like that was a full team effort obviously.” Teagan, when asked about the match, responded with: “Personally, I wasn’t going for the ball. I was letting them take over, and Briony Akle said: ‘Pull your finger out!’ So, I did.” After a rocky start, Akle pushed the Swifts toward their victory, and the pride on her face couldn’t be clearer. This keeps the Swifts high up on the leaderboard, and also pushes the Giants down further. 

Firebirds vs Mavericks

In this match, the Mavericks and Firebirds played against each other with vigour, both teams needing a morale boost after their losses last week. This time the Mavericks came out on top at a score of 65-54. The Mavericks were playing a winning game for the whole match, even ending the first quarter with an elevenp-point lead. Emily Moore, the Firebirds' goal attack, even made a supershot in the last 15 seconds. However the deficit was just too big. The effort was admirable, but it wasn’t enough to take victory against the Mavericks. The captain of the Mavericks, Amy Parmenter, specifically commended their goal shooter for their incredible athleticism and effort after the game, commenting that Shimona Jok is “Unstoppable! She brings such a good energy, she gets around everyone.” She even comments on how high she can jump. “I think she can jump like 47 centimetres!” Overall, the Mavericks were absolutely jovial about this win, and it’s exciting to see them take a win- their first since round 6. 

The Ladder

There are definitely some notable changes to the ladder in round 11; half the teams having changed positions. 

In first place, the Swifts remain at the top of the ladder. Their score is at an impressive 36 points. Their percentage stands at 109.68%, a slight increase from round 10.

In second place is the Fever, though incredibly close to the Swifts, with a score of 36 points, their percentage is what brings them lower, at 107.39%.

In the third spot on the ladder stands the Vixens, rising above the Lightning as a result of their victory against them this week. They have brought themselves higher, with a score of 28 and a percentage of 101.94%.

The Lightning are in fourth place, now with a 4-point gap between them and the Vixens, currently standing at a score of 24 points. Their percentage, however, is higher than the Vixens, at 104.85%. The battle between these two teams are fierce, and unforgiving, so very close between the two of them.

In fifth place stands the Thunderbirds, keeping their position despite their loss against the Fever. They have a total score of 20, and their percentage is at 103.92; not very far behind the lightning, and actually higher than the Vixens, despite their score. However, their percentage is notably lower than last week.

In sixth stands the Mavericks, taking over the place where the Giants once stood, claiming their win against the Firebirds with pride. The Mavericks have a score of 12 points, and their percentage is at 94.89%. Their percentage is the one thing that pushes them in front of the Giants.

The Giants, having lost their game against the Swifts, are now in seventh place. They have 12 points, an equal standing between them and the Mavericks, yet their percentage is significantly lower in comparison, a 4% difference between the two. The Giant’s percentage stands at 90.72%. 

This leaves the Firebirds to remain in eighth place, with a score of 8 and a percentage of 88.68%.

Upcoming Games

On the 28th of June, the Sunshine Coast Lightning will be facing off against the West Coast Fever. This game takes place at 5pm, at the UniSC Arena. 

Also on the 28th of June, the Melbourne Mavericks are up against the New South Wales Swifts. This game takes place at 7pm, at the John Cain Arena. 

On the 29th of June, the Melbourne Vixens go against the Adelaide Thunderbirds. This game takes place at 2pm, at the John Cain Arena. 

Also on the 29th of June, the Queensland Firebirds are going up against the Giants. This game takes place at 4pm, at the Nissan Arena. 

All of these times are in Australian Eastern Standard time.

Round 12 brings a few exciting games to watch this week! The battle in the top 4 positions of the ladder is incredibly intense, the Swifts and the Fever both able to break the record for the most consecutive wins in a row; 10 games! And then there’s the Vixens and the Lightning, each so close to one another, fighting for the 3rd position on the ladder. One of the most interesting games to come out of this week could be the Firebirds going against the Giants. This could either bring the Giants higher, or get the firebirds out of the 8th position. With enough effort, they could even launch up two spaces, into 6th place!

The teams are antsy for victory, and the matches are sure to be fierce! Round 12 rolls near, and we’ll soon be able to see just how far these teams are willing to go for the win!