ROUND 9 and 10 of the Suncorp Super Netball saw some impressive individual performances from a couple of towering shooters while the GIANTS’ struggle in the attacking third continued as they dropped to sixth spot on the ladder. The Firebirds mustered up another win for the season as the Adelaide Thunderbirds showcased they should not be underestimated in season 2020.

GIANTS still looking for answers inside the goal circle
The issues in the shooting circle have plagued the GIANTS throughout the season, unable to find any continuity in the front half and seeming to be out of answers, steadily dropping down the ladder. In Round 9 the GIANTS copped a 20 goal drubbing at the hands of the top of the table Vixens while in Round 10 they went down by two goals to the Lightning. The GIANTS are not without star power, arguably boasting one of the most damaging shooting trios in the competition, however it is their inability to cohesively work together that is impacting their scoreboard pressure. Caitlin Bassett has struggled to get court time this season and once again found herself on the bench, only managing 25 minutes across both games. Although the combination between Jo Harten and Kiera Austin is increasing as time goes on, the trio is relatively inconsistent and the frequent chopping and changing seems to upset the dynamic in the attacking third with Austin sometimes swinging into wing attack forcing Jamie-Lee Price to adjust her game.

Jamaican shootout
Both Romelda Aiken and Jhaniele Fowler are integral members for their respective teams with the Jamaican natives prominent under the post and key reasons for their sides resurgence. Fowler is enjoying the extra support she is getting this season from Alice Teague-Neeld when it comes to her pinpoint feeds and clever timing to drive into the circle. In the absence of Gretel Bueta, Aiken has taken her game up a notch acting as a real leader in the front half for the Firebirds, working seamlessly with Tippah Dwan to cause headaches for opposition sides with her increased accuracy and volume of shots. Fowler and Aiken sit one and two on the leader board when it comes to the number of goals scored and starred once again in Round 9 and 10 with 122 and 88 goals respectively, indicating just how influential they are under the post.

Thunderbirds keep finals chances alive
Coming off four consecutive losses the Thunderbirds rallied in their game against the Pies to secure an 11-goal victory and most importantly keep in touch with the top four. Boasting a highly versatile squad the Thunderbirds have relished the extra movement and rotations across the court with the defence end often changing between Shamera Sterling, Kate Shimmin and Layla Guscoth. However it is their young players that are really leading the way with Georgie Horjus and Maisie Nankivell plying their trade across the court and doing damage. Tayla Williams played a strong role through the centre in Round 10 for the T’Birds while the acquisition of Lenize Potgieter has paid dividends with the goal shooter oozing plenty of composure to settle things in attack.

Firebirds’ youth paying off
After a disappointing 2019 season, it was looking like 2020 would follow a similar track. But the Queensland Firebirds seem to have unlocked their winning ways, sitting on three wins for the season. With a bit of a personnel change up at the end of last season, the Firebirds have taken the changes in their stride and have not looked back. Aiken and Dwan have taken the competition by storm while the defensive combination of Kim Jenner and Tara Hinchliffe is often where the magic happens. The duo are a formidable force down back able to regain a wealth of possession and stream down the court. Through the midcourt the inclusion of Lara Dunkley has added an element of calmness and stability while Jemma Mi Mi injects that dynamism. They have proven they can mix it with the best knocking off the reigning premiers by 13 goals last round and given the competition is so close this season, if the Firebirds notch up a couple more wins they could potentially push for a spot in finals.

Super shot comes up big in Round 10
Down by as many as 14 goals midway through the third quarter, the Melbourne Vixens fought their way back into the contest against the Fever, mainly due to some impressive super shots from Caitlin Thwaites and Mwai Kumwenda. The shooting duo registered nine for the game and while they did not win, they managed to secure a draw credit to their ability to peg the margin back quickly and accurately. But they were not the only team that resorted to the long bomb with the GIANTS taking full advantage of the super shot as Austin and Harten combined for 12 to remain in the hunt against the Lightning. In terms of individual performances, Dwan was unstoppable for the Firebirds with eight from nine while Steph Wood sunk the winning super shot for Sunshine Coast showcasing just how impactful the super shot can be to results.