By Sophie Taylor
A new games record holder, a win record comes to an end and a fresh ladder leader takes the helm.
We run through the main talking points from Round 10.
255
Romelda Aiken-George.
The “original import”.
And now the proud holder of the all-time Australian national league games record.
Nineteen years strong and still running red hot despite everything her opposition continues to throw at her.
While the occasion was spoiled by a Swifts outfit hungry for a top four scalp, Aiken-George’s 255th match marked an outstanding achievement.
The 254-game record had been held by former player and now Fox Netball commentator Cath Cox since 2014, with Cox fittingly in the arena on Sunday afternoon to hand over the baton.
While sad to lose the top gong, Cox acknowledged that records are made to be broken.
In fact, there was no one greater to take top spot from her.
Aiken-George has seen remarkable changes to the game since her national league debut back in 2008.
From the then-ANZ Championship, the move to Suncorp Super Netball and all the rule changes in between, Aiken-George’s longevity is remarkable, admirable and astounding.
She took charge in the circle in her 255th match, shooting 49 goals at 92 per cent and also registered two critical rebounds, three feeds and a deflection, coming away with a complete performance to be proud of.
Donnell Wallam starred in the Lightning's win over the Vixens.
VIXENS FALTER
The Vixens’ winning run came to an end on the weekend, with a blistering opening quarter from the Lightning setting the tone for the 66-56 result.
Missing three key players in Emily Mannix, Hannah Mundy and Rudi Ellis, the Vixens were on the back foot from the very beginning.
And the Lightning took advantage of that.
Burning from three straight losses, the Lightning took their chances early to serve the ladder-leading Vixens a heavy blow.
Donnell Wallam shot at a 90 per cent accuracy in a strong showing under the post, aided by Cara Koenen who had a game-high 18 goal assists.
Liz Watson went toe-to-toe with former teammate Kate Moloney in an even battle through the midcourt (27 feeds apiece).
Courtney Bruce and Karin Burger fine-tuned their partnership, combining for 11 of the Lightning’s 13 gains, including five intercepts, 10 deflections and three rebounds.
Kiera Austin (15 goals, six Suncorp Super Shots) and Sophie Garbin (18 goals) put up a valiant fight in the goal circle while Zara Walters and debutant Ruby Pekin-Schlicht nabbed the side’s only two intercepts.
The Lightning will be brimming with confidence after the 10-goal win, with the Mavs, GIANTS and Firebirds up next.
As for the Vixens, this result bumps them into second on the ladder for the first time since Round 5, with the Swifts and Thunderbirds up next and in red-hot form.
Jessie Grenvold leads the league for intercepts after Round 10.
CAN SWIFTS MAKE THE FOUR?
The Swifts put a damper in Aiken-George’s celebrations on the weekend, claiming a runaway win away from home to keep their finals chances alive.
A huge 39-33 first half set the tone, with the Grace Squared connection – young gun Grace Whyte and Silver Ferns star Grace Nweke – keeping the Fever on their toes nice and early.
Nweke was outstanding to post with 53 goals from 55 attempts, not only providing a target but making it look easy in the process.
The Swifts tightened up defensively to negate the Fever’s attacking forays, with the midcourt getting involved to keep the Fever quiet.
The question on everybody’s lips now is whether the Swifts have a real chance of making the top four.
Last week that chance was sitting at roughly five per cent.
Expect that percentage to be up this week, just like their confidence.
With the Vixens and Firebirds next on their radar – teams they lost by seven and 11 to in back-to-back games – the next two rounds are crucial for the Swifts.
ON THE STATS SHEET
Nweke is the first player this season to break the 500-goal barrier, shooting her 501st of the season on Sunday, with Elmeré van der Berg close behind on 495 goals. Matisse Letherbarrow and Austin sit even for Suncorp Super Shots with 40 apiece.
Whyte has 216 goal assists to her name, while Maddie Hay continues to lead all comers for centre pass receives (223).
Jessie Grenvold has wrestled back top spot for intercepts with three on the weekend taking her season tally to 26, marginally ahead of Latanya Wilson (25).
Shamera Sterling-Humphrey sits clear on top for deflections with 73 to her name while also leading the defensive rebounds tally (21).
