By Stephanie Smarrelli
There are only five games left until finals begin, and while the Vixens and Thunderbirds have already locked in their spots at the pointy end of the season, there are still two places up for grabs.
West Coast Fever are in prime position to claim one of them, but this week they face a Swifts outfit determined to stay in the hunt.
The Swifts put together a strong performance against the Lightning last weekend, but Fever present an even bigger challenge.
Champion Data’s ladder predictor gives the Swifts just a five per cent chance of making finals, though that won’t faze a side that knows its best netball can match it with the competition heavyweights.
It’s do-or-die for the Swifts and fresh off a confidence-boosting win over the Lightning, they head west ready to take on the green machine.
The Swifts were bolstered ahead of Round 9 by the return of Paige Hadley. While she may be on managed minutes after giving birth in February, her composure and connection with teammates will boost their midcourt.
Meanwhile Fever will be desperate to bounce back after a lacklustre outing last weekend. They’ll also have extra motivation too with goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George set to break the all-time national league games record when she steps onto the court.
Aiken-George will be a key target in attack, shooting at 83 per cent this season while tallying 392 goals and 59 rebounds.
Swift Sarah Klau is likely to line up against the milestone shooter and will need to limit her influence under the post.
If Klau can’t contain her, Teigan O’Shannassy looms as another option, with the rangy defender capable of turning a game with her aerial impact and pressure.
Aiken-George is set to make history this weekend.
Speaking of game changers, Grace Whyte continues to impress.
The 20-year-old racked up 41 feeds last weekend, while the Grace-to-Grace connection in attack has been humming.
But Fever will back themselves to disrupt that flow.
The last time these sides met, Fran Williams starred with seven deflections and six gains, applying relentless hands-over pressure across the court.
Captain Jess Anstiss was also crucial, collecting three deflections to help shut down the Swifts’ ball movement.
While the scoreboard from Round 4 suggests a one-sided contest, don’t expect a repeat this weekend.
A blistering third quarter proved the difference that day, but the Swifts will have learned from the experience and with their season on the line, expect them to come out firing.
REST OF THE WEEKEND
The round begins on the Sunshine Coast, where the Lightning host the reigning premiers.
Lightning are in dire need of a win having lost three on the trot but expect them to be energised by a return home.
While the Vixens will look to keep the winning streak alive.
The Vixens have been unstoppable so far this season.
The Queensland Firebirds then host the GIANTS, with the Firebirds’ finals hopes hanging by a thread.
While the GIANTS are out of the finals race, they’ll still be eager to spoil a contender’s campaign and finally get their first win on the board.
The round wraps up on Sunday with the Melbourne Mavericks heading into enemy territory to face the Thunderbirds.
The last time the teams met the Mavs put out a strong performance despite not being able to keep up with the TBirds for four quarters.
But the side will have learned their lessons, looking to solidify their place in the top four, they’ll head into this clash knowing it could prove to be the difference between a historical finals' appearance and heartbreak come season’s end.
