Super Netball Round 12 Wrap

Ellie Wilmore

Lightning vs Fever

The West Coast Fever has done it! They have now broken the record, with 10 consecutive wins, taking down the Lightning with 15 points between the two teams. Whilst both sides were extremely passionate, the Fever managed to grab the win. The score ended at an incredible 69-54, the Fever clearly not yet done with their winning streak! Last week, the coach of the Fever claimed that he’s not one to care much for records. Despite this, he is sure to notice the new accolade his team has picked up. The highest streak before this, being 9 consecutive wins, was shared by both the 2019 Sunshine Coast Lightning, and the New South Wales Swifts, both in 2023, and this year (before this round commenced). This feat really shows how well this team plays together. Alice Teague-Neeld is also celebrating her 100th game in the best way possible with this now broken record, also being awarded the MVP of the Match. She speaks very highly of the Fever, stating that they “Welcomed me so well. I really want to finish this season strong.” This is a massive achievement for the team, and marks a moment in history for Suncorp Super Netball. 

Mavericks vs Swifts 

Where there is a massive win, there is, of course, also a massive loss. The Swifts, having been matching the Fever’s 9 game long winning streak, have now lost it against the Mavericks. This loss was devastating, with the previously first-place team being beaten by the sixth-place Mavericks. It was the Mavericks' last home game of the season, and they certainly made it count, beating the Swifts in quite a close game. It was a 4-point difference in the end, 64-68, shocking the Swifts and dropping them down the ladder. Molly Jovic, the Maverick’s strong midcourt player, was named MVP of the match, stating that she is “Super proud of the girls!” and that the “whole team performed.” The pride in her voice and the utter joy on her face was well-deserved, especially after such an incredible win against an intimidating force of a team. The Swifts on the other hand, could now have been sharing that win-streak record with the Fever. Instead, they've been unceremoniously shoved down the ladder courtesy of the Mavericks.

Vixens vs Thunderbirds

The Thunderbirds take a win this week in the closest game of the round. With just a 3-point difference between the teams, the score ended up being 53-56. The Thunderbirds shared a team cheer after full-time, gathering together to celebrate the much-needed win. The Thunderbirds are creeping up the ladder, now in the top four due to this win. After the game, player of the match Georgie Horjus, who plays both wing attack and goal attack, was interviewed, stating that “We knew we had to win, so now we’re still in the hunt for finals which is exciting for the next couple of weeks!” She called this win ‘ugly’, whilst reflecting on previous games. Horjus also went on to state that “We’ve had some really close games. Last week we lost to the Fever,  but I guess this gives us confidence that we can do it ugly. We’re keen for next weekend.” This game was quite the pick-me-up for the Thunderbirds, and the confidence boost may be just what they needed to bring them climbing further up the ladder in the future. 

Firebirds vs Giants

A close game this week between the Thunderbirds and the Giants, with the Giants prevailing with a 5 point difference. The final score was 63-68, and must have been incredibly emotional for Jo Harten, who is celebrating her 200th national league game. The Giants' win must make it all the more meaningful to her. Jamie-Lee Price, the Giants' wing defence and center, as well as co-captain, was asked about Jo at full-time. She started talking to those at Pivot, and Price could not have spoken more highly of Harten, stating that she puts the heart in Harten. “I think she brings so much passion and heart, and the leadership that she has on court and the person that she is off the court, I’m so proud of her.” Overall, this game was a big success to the Giants, and pushed them equal with the Mavericks, while keeping the Firebirds at the low end of the ladder.

Ladder

In first place sit the Fever at 40 points, their percentage at 108.84%. This team has done the impossible, winning 10 games in a row; placing them in the top spot thus far.

Due to the loss the Swifts faced this week, they are now in second place. Their score is 36 points, and their percentage is 108.29%.

Third is where the Vixens remain, at 28 points and a percentage of 101.38%.

However, in fourth place are the Thunderbirds, stealing the place where the Lightning previously stood. Their points are 24, and their percentage 104.04%

In fifth place are the Lightning, at an equal 24 points, but at a lower percentage of 102.2%.

In sixth place sit the Mavericks, staying in the same place despite their staggering win against the Swifts. Their points are at 16, and their percentage is at 95.81%.

In seventh place is the Giants, also with 16 points, but with a percentage of 92.03%.

And finally, in eighth place stands the Firebirds, with a score of 8 and a percentage of 89.01%.

Upcoming Games

On Saturday, the 5th of July, the NSW Swifts are up against the Sunshine Coast Lightning, at the Ken Rosewall Arena at 5pm. Also on the 5th is the Adelaide Thunderbirds up against the Melbourne Mavericks. This game takes place at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre at 7pm.

On  Sunday, the 6th of July, the Melbourne Vixens take on the Queensland Firebirds at the John Cain Arena at 2pm. Also on the 6th is the West Coast Fever going up against the Giants at 4pm at the RAC Arena

All times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time. 

There is so much to look forward to in round 13! Will the Fever continue their incredible winning streak? Will the Thunderbirds be able to climb even higher up the ladder, or will the Vixens hold strong onto their third position? Are the Swifts falling from their high position on the ladder? Or will they fight back and overcome the Fever? All will be found out next week!