Super Netball Round 14 Wrap

Ellie Wilmore

Giants vs Mavericks

Despite being a very intense match, that wasn't really reflected in the score, which ended up being 74-59 to the giants. This is quite the sweep compared to the point differences of last week’s games, for example the 1-point margin between the Swifts and the Lightning. That being said, both teams gave their absolute all this week.

Jo Harten, who had just celebrated her 200th game, has decided to retire from professional netball. And what a way to retire, with an incredible victory. A career of over 20 years has come to an end, and Harten will remain in the hearts of so many people, and will leave behind a strong legacy in Suncorp Super Netball. Harten commented on the game afterwards, thanking the Mavericks. “Thank you Mavs for bringing it all out tonight, it was an awesome game to finish on.” Harten also reflected on her career as a whole. “I was once one of those little girls dreaming to make it to the big time. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I’d be here today. Thank you to the netball community far and wide. Your support has been insane! Long may netball continue.”

Thunderbirds vs Lightning

This game was quite close compared to the previous, with the Thunderbirds and Lightning fighting neck and neck, both badly wanting their position in the top 4, hungry for the opportunity to participate in the Semi Finals. However, the Thunderbirds came out on top in the end, after a vicious fight from both teams. There was a 4 point difference, the final score being 59-55. Matilda Garrett, the Goal Defence and Goal Keeper of the Thunderbirds, was the player of the match, commenting afterwards that the game’s conclusion feels like an “Absolute relief, I’m just so proud of the girls. I believed all along we could make the finals, I’m so proud we’re actually going to be there!” A massive win for the Thunderbirds, one that completely confirms their spot in the top 4, and most importantly, the finals!

Firebirds vs Swifts

This game was just as close as the last, which is incredibly impressive for the Firebirds, putting up a strong fight against the team in second place. However, the Swifts did nonetheless take the win, with a 4 point difference between these two teams. The final score was 75-79. The effort from the Firebirds was evident, fighting such a strong fight against a daunting team like the Swifts. In fact, extra time was needed with the game originally ending in a draw at 68 points each! It was during the extra time that the Swifts gained the upper hand, letting them gain the win this week. In the break between extra time and full time, the Swifts discussed, stating things like “Build pressure here, we’re ahead now!!” And their coach, Briony Akle, brought back the team’s morale, encouraging words being thrown around, like “We trained for this! Embrace this, walk towards it! Let’s go!” These words of encouragement pushed them through to victory, leaving them hungry for the win that they soon claimed. A great feat for the Swifts, securing them a place in the finals.

Fever vs Vixens

The Fever aren’t giving up anytime soon, extending their record-breaking winning streak even further! They've now notched 12 wins in a row, and it seemingly won’t end there as the Fever further prove themselves to be an incredibly formidable and intimidating team. The difference between the Fever and the Vixens this week was 11 points, and the final score ended up being 71-60. In the post-game interview conducted by Pivot, Jordan Cransberg, the Fever’s Wing Attack and Center, was asked about what it was like playing this game but knowing it didn’t change the scores or their position on the ladder, as well as their confirmed spot in the semifinals, and getting the win anyways. She commented that “Mentally we knew that it was probably the first game we’ve played that actually didn’t mean anything on paper. We wanted to go in with heaps of momentum and stick to the process, putting in a really good performance before finals. We were able to do that which was really exciting!”

Ladder

In first place are the Fever, with a score of 48 points and a percentage of 110.87%.

In second place is the Swifts, with a score of 40 and a percentage of 107.28%.

In third are now the Thunderbirds, taking the spot from the Vixens with a score of 32, and a percentage of 105.36%.

In fourth are the Vixens, with the same score as the Thunderbirds, 32, but a percentage of 100.12%.

The Lightning are in fifth place, with a score of 28, and a percentage of 101.71%.

The Giants are in sixth place, moving up slightly, with a score of 20 and a percentage of 92.92%.

This leaves the Mavericks in seventh, with a score of 16 and a percentage of 93.6%.

And in eight place remain the Firebirds, with a score of 8 and a percentage of 90.04%.

Upcoming Games

The Semi Finals are upon us this week!

There are only 2 games next week, both on the 20th of July. There’s the Adelaide Thunderbirds going up against the Melbourne Vixens at 2pm at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, and then the West Coast Fever up against the New South Wales Swifts at 4pm at the RAC Arena.

All times are in Australian Eastern Standard time.

It is finally the time for the Semi Finals! With only two games this weekend, there are not as many teams to look out for this time. However, there are still many things to look out for, like the Fever’s winning streak! Will it continue? And the intense games between such strong teams on the ladder are bound to be incredibly intense, keeping fans on their toes. It’s anybody’s game, and the tensions are high! It’s time to prepare for the end of the season! Who will win?