DESPITE there being no ANZ Premiership over the weekend there was still some big news to come out of New Zealand relating to the upcoming grand final and overall finals series while the Suncorp Super Netball delivered a round of surprises and close contests.

No ANZ Premiership finals play-offs
A change in restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted the ANZ Premiership to not only cancel Round 10 but so too the playoffs with the only game set to take place – the grand final between Tactix and Pulse next Sunday. With ladder position already secured heading into the round the decision was made to abandon the round allowing Pulse and Tactix an extra week of recovery and preparation ahead of the big dance on Sunday which could play into the hands of the Pulse who were missing Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Maddy Gordon in Round 9 with illness and injury alike. The game will be played in Invercargill however no fans will be able to attend given the heightened restrictions as the Tactix look to pursue their first grand final while the Pulse led by captain Katrina Rore hope to secure back-to-back silverware.

Goal shooters masterclass
It was a tale of dominant goal shooters across the round with Lenize Potgieter sitting at an impressive 100 per cent accuracy for the Adelaide Thunderbirds thanks to her 32 goals straight to guide her side to victory. Jhaniele Fowler also had a similar influence for the Fever converting a whopping 54 goals from 56 attempts at 96 per cent, while fellow Jamaican and opposition shooter Shimona Nelson had a hot hand for the Pies in attack sinking 46 goals from 49 attempts. Romelda Aiken was the most prominent goaler in the Firebirds, GIANTS game top scoring with 49 goals at 86 per cent, while Cara Koenen also impressed in the goal shooter position knocking back 53 of her 58 attempts. The power of tall goalers seemed to be the main method of attack in Round 4 with each team taking advantage of the high pass into the circle and relishing the accuracy at the hands of their respective shooters.

Vixens goal circle looked fatigue
It was an un-Vixens like performance on Sunday with the goalers struggling to worry the scoreboard and slice open the Thunderbirds defence in their normal manner. Playing their second game in as many days Tegan Philip struggled to use her speed to create space, while Caitlin Thwaites floated in and out of the game thanks to the rolling subs. They lacked their usual drive in attack with both Thwaites and Mwai Kumwenda reverting to their holding style of play in the circle allowing easy pickings for Shamera Sterling. The lack of movement in the circle worked in favour for Adelaide as their defenders gobbled up intercepts and forced errors to the normally clinical Vixens.

Kim Jenner and Cara Koenen put their hand up for Diamonds selection
Although Diamonds selection is still a while away, both Queensland products in Kim Jenner and Koenen well and truly put their best foot forward with impressive performances in their respective outings. Jenner single-handedly changed the course of the game with her impressive closing speed, tenacity and willingness to win ball back. Her ability to track the ball in the air and along the ground to force tips and turnovers was second to none racking up four intercepts, three gains, eight deflections and two rebounds in a stats stuffing performance. For the Lighting it was Koenen that delivered the heat under the post with her silky movement, drag and drop in the goal circle, speed along the baseline and aerial ability to reel in ball after ball. She was unfazed by the constant defensive changes and just went about her business both on the shot and rebound to sink 53 goals in her sides win.

Anyone can win the SSN grand final given the amount of young talent
Round 4 of Super Netball proved that this season is about rolling with the punches, utilising the bench and winning ugly given the close rotation of games. After a disappointing Round 3 performance the Lightning came out firing against reigning premiers, NSW Swifts, recapturing their signature ball movement and defensive prowess to blow them out of the water. Meanwhile the Thunderbirds proved they are a team to watch downing the top of the table Vixens by seven goals. Fever held strong despite only winning one quarter while Queensland Firebirds mixed it with the GIANTS to earn the first draw of the season highlighting just how close the competition is and how important each and every win is in season 2020.