THE Suncorp Super Netball grand final went right down to the wire with the Melbourne Vixens walking away with their inaugural SSN premiership, defeating West Coast Fever by a mere two goals. The Vixens and netball community farewelled a couple of netball veterans, while defensive pressure came to the fore in what was a tight battle that had many on the edge of their seats.

Defence wins premierships
With the game on the line Jo Weston and Emily Mannix stepped up to the plate in a big way with the duo combining for a huge deflection and subsequent gain in the dying minutes of the game. The defensive combo contested the ball coming into Jhaniele Fowler in the goal circle, showcasing their fancy footwork and back-up play to support one another and jump on the loose ball. Their persistent nature throughout the game paid off as they forced Fowler high, and while the goal shooter dominated for the Fever, the Vixens defenders did not give up the hunt. This play ultimately changed the course of the game as the Vixens flew down the court and nailed a goal to steal back the lead and reclaim the ascendancy to run out the game and win.

Farewell to retiring stars
It was a fitting way to send off Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip, with the latter holding the mantle as the most capped Vixens player in history. The duo have been staples in Australian netball for years with Thwaites playing for the past 17 years across a wealth of different clubs such as NSW Swifts, Central Pulse, Collingwood Magpies, and of course the Vixens. Thwaites reinvented herself in 2020 playing out in the unfamiliar position of goal attack and did not skip a beat, and that showed in the grand final with the goaler nailing 13 goals, three of them super shots. She rotated out the front with fellow retiree Philip who showcased her speed and accuracy in their farewell game to get their side over the line in the big dance and break their six-year premiership drought.

Mwai Kumwenda is something special
Well held in the first quarter by Australian Diamonds and West Coast Fever goal keeper Courtney Bruce, Malawian sensation Mwai Kumwenda flicked a switch at quarter time and tore up the court. Her strength and confidence came to the fore as she built into the game, however it was her accuracy to post that left many people in awe with the goal shooter nailing 30 goals straight before her first miss came at the 10-minute mark of the third term. Kumwenda showcased her athleticism and acrobatics to continuously reel the ball in and most importantly keep Bruce busy to limit her chance of going out hunting for an intercept. Her connection with the likes of Liz Watson and Kate Moloney was almost impossible to stop as they linked up with great ease to deliver the ball into the back space and utilise Kumwenda’s fancy footwork to dominate at the post. The goal shooter finished the game with 47 goals to her name at 97 per cent credit to her cool, calm and composed nature and ability to edge herself closer to the post with her impressive split.

West Coast Fever’s future is bright
Although it was a heartbreaking loss, up by a couple of goals in the backend of the fourth quarter, there are plenty of positives to take out of the loss with the Fever boasting some young and exciting prospects. Sunday Aryang has been a revelation for the Fever each time she has stepped out on court, injecting plenty of speed and intensity in the contest while her ball winning capabilities are seconds to none. Emma Cosh has also been a sensation and while she is 27-years-old still has plenty of development left in her. Playing out of position in wing attack, Cosh has taken like a duck to water with her quick release into Fowler, impressive spatial awareness and sheer netball nous constantly on display, while Alice Teague-Neeld has also stepped up in 2020 with her increased drive and playmaking abilities allowing Fowler to get to work under the post.

Jhaniele Fowler puts her hand up for another MVP
It is hard to deny the impact Fowler has not only for the Fever but so too the competition given her ability to break games wide open with her proficiency. The Jamaican goal shooter was once again on song and while it was not enough to get the Fever over the line, each time there was a chance to lift she did. A huge super shot on the half time buzzer sent the crowd into a tiz and swung the momentum back into their favour after being dominated for the term. Her aerial ability is undeniable while her composure and slick footwork enables her to be a constant threat. Fowler dictated the play with her strong holds and command for the ball from the likes of Verity Charles or Jess Anstiss and most importantly made bad balls look good, such is her athleticism and read of the play. She finished with a game high 55 goals from 56 attempts at a staggering 98 per cent.