LOOKING back on Round 5 and 6 of the Suncorp Super Netball there have been some huge talking points as the Firebirds notched up their first win while a common denominator in rotating shooters has seen the top three spots dominate. Meanwhile over in New Zealand the premiers were decided with Central Pulse going back-to-back to cap off an exceptional season.

Queensland Firebirds notch up first win of 2020
It was a long time coming, but Round 6 marked the Firebirds first win for the season and they did it in convincing fashion. Down at the first break, the Firebirds rallied in the second term with defenders Tara Hinchliffe and Kim Jenner joining forces and taking it up a notch to shut down Alice Teague-Neeld and Kaylia Stanton out in goal attack to subsequently nullify the influence of Jhaniele Fowler at the post. Not only did they lift in defence but the shooter to shooter interplay between Romelda Aiken and Tippah Dwan tore the Fever apart. Aiken seemed to recapture her dominant form, screaming for the ball under the post and most importantly delivering to lead her side to a well-earned victory.

Central Pulse grand final win
It was a historic day for Central Pulse with the team from Wellington securing back-to-back premierships. The ladder leaders were on song from the opening whistle skipping out to an early and never really looked like losing despite a late charge from Mainland Tactix. Their strong connections and seamless transitions down court allowed them to exploit the Tactix and make light work of their defence with Aliyah Dunn and Ameliaranne Ekenasio having their way in the goal circle. The grand final marked captain Katrina Rore’s 150th game, while the Pulse also farewelled coach Yvette McCausland-Durie in the most perfect send-off you could ask for. Speedster and pocket dynamo Maddy Gordon starred and despite sitting out in the third quarter won MVP honours credit to both her defensive and attacking efforts throughout the match to round out a stellar season for the two-time premiers.

Shooting rotation
The top three teams on the ladder have proven across Round 5 and 6 the importance of having options in attack especially in the goal circle. Sunshine Coast Lightning have benefitted from being able to switch up the shooting combinations with Cara Koenen able to ply her trade both in at goal shooter and goal attack and have an impact while Peace Proscovia can come on and have an impact off the bench as Steph Wood can swing from goal attack to wing attack. Similarly when things are not tracking well for the Swifts the New South Wales side have looked to the bench with Sophie Garbin able to dominate in either shooting position to play alongside Helen Housby and Sam Wallace. The top of the table Melbourne Vixens also boast a stacked shooting line-up with Caitlin Thwaites a mainstay whether it be in goal shooter or goal attack. The ability to rotate fresh legs into the circle has paid dividends with both Tegan Philip and Mwai Kumwenda injecting an element of unpredictability in the goal circle.

Kristiana Manu’a controversial send-off
In arguably one of the most controversial decisions in Super Netball to date, the decision to send-off GIANTS goal defence Kristiana Manu’a caused plenty of conversation throughout the netball world. It was the first time in Super Netball history a player had been sent off and it could be argued that the umpires decision altered the course of the game with Manu’a unable to re-enter the game or be replaced. Manu’a was sent off in the third quarter for two minutes before being officially ruled out of the game in the last quarter after a late contact on Laura Scherian. After holding a handy buffer in the final term the effects of not having a goal defence on court for the final nine and a half minutes were felt as the Lightning pegged the margin back and subsequently won despite the best efforts of Sam Poolman, Amy Parmenter and Jamie-Lee Price in the backend.

Youngsters relishing the extra court time
The condensed season, extended benches and rolling subs has worked wonders for the next generation of players who are soaking up the extra court time. Once again Adelaide Thunderbirds goal attack Georgie Horjus led the way across both rounds with her drive to the post, hot hand and impressive speed while midcourt buddy Maisie Nankivell also plied her defensive trade. As touched on earlier Dwan has been a revelation for the Firebirds in the goal circle, showcasing her vision into the circle and spatial awareness to constantly create space. Fever defenders Olivia Lewis and Sunday Aryang have also stepped up a notch over the past couple of rounds taking full advantage of their extra court time to win ball back while Lauren Moore has set tongues wagging given her tenacity and hunt for the ball in the Swifts defence.