ROUND 6 of Suncorp Super Netball will see one of the last rounds before reverse fixtures, meaning this round is each team’s opportunity to showcase what they can do and potentially switch up momentum going into the second half of the season. While a couple of teams are still sitting pretty at the top of the ladder and show no signs of slowing, the mid-ladder logjam sees quite a few teams jostling for fourth spot with none of the bottom teams really out of the race at this point and ultimately meaning the ladder could see some significant movement following the end of this round.

NSW Swifts v. Collingwood Magpies
Saturday, 22 August

An interesting battle will ensue to open Round 6, with two sides going head to head which have not necessarily played great four quarter efforts yet this season. While the Swifts have ultimately been more dominant overall, their inconsistency across the opening weeks has left something more to be desired from the reigning premiers. Meanwhile, the Magpies sit toward the bottom of the ladder and have struggled to string consecutive performances along. 

Both sides are riddled with exciting new talent coming up with some really interesting battles expected between the two sides. One of the more physical matchups will see Jodi-Ann Ward take on Helen Housby in the goal circle while Magpies’ Molly Jovic will hope to apply her speed and consistency around the play through the midcourt alongside formidable attackers, Madi and Kelsey Browne. Maddy Proud has been building throughout the season so far while the rotation of Nat Haythornthwaite is also a useful connection for the Swifts given her quick feet and agility around circle edge. Add in the excitement machine of Lauren Moore taking on Gabby Sinclair in the goal circle plus the likes of Sarah Klau on Shimona Nelson and there are some really huge and significant matchups all across the court. Both teams have the capacity and willingness to rotate their midcourt constantly which could be very interesting to see play out given the youth on both of their benches. Tayla Fraser has been a really impressive speedster for the Swifts rotating on where required and filling just about any hole through the midcourt while Sophie Garbin can be a crucial cog in goals, though the Magpies have a few tricks up their own sleeve with Nyah Allen on the sideline able to slot into goal attack to apply pressure on the scoreboard when required while Matilda Garrett has also provided a handy defensive rotation given her connection with Geva Mentor down back. 

West Coast Fever v. Queensland Firebirds
Saturday, 22 August

In what is expected to be another fantastic match up the Fever and Firebirds will go head to head to the first time this season. The Firebirds have really pushed other teams recently and are edging closer to their first win meaning the Fever cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal in this one. With plenty of physicality and hunt for the ball all across the court, expect this to be a tighter battle than their current ladder positions suggest.

There are a few major matchups in this game, but none more interesting than the battle between Kim Jenner and Alice Teague-Neeld. Teague-Neeld has had a bit of a shaky start to the season, having some really influential matches early but has gradually faded away over the past week meaning she will need to be at her absolute best when she goes head to head with Jenner purely because of Jenner’s intensity and excitement factor. However at the other end there is the likely matchup between Courtney Bruce and Romelda Aiken which could be really significant for whichever team gets the win. Through the midcourt, Verity Charles has had a fantastic few weeks out of the blocks while Mahalia Cassidy has really impressed on her return from injury, with the two players likely to start against each other and be a significant battle given their similarities on court. The Firebirds will have their work cut out for them given the Fever’s tenacity and strength of rotation down back with Olivia Lewis, Sunday Aryang and Stacey Francis all quality defenders who offer different benefits alongside Bruce where required. Tippah Dwan had a really solid Round 5 showcasing her flair alongside Aiken, so will want to maintain that consistency in this outing. Tara Hinchliffe also displayed some signs of her 2019 form during the past few rounds, meaning if she is able to switch on against Jhaniele Fowler there could be a really huge upset in the works.

Melbourne Vixens v. GIANTS Netball
Sunday, 23 August

The Vixens will need to be at their absolute best when they take on GIANTS Netball on Sunday with the GIANTS proving time and time again that they are a formidable outfit. That being said, the Vixens have had a stellar start the season and while they have had one major bump in the road so far they have regained their confidence after a Round 5 victory and will hope to capitalise against the GIANTS to remain at the top of the Suncorp Super Netball ladder.

As highlighted in our Round 6 head to head, the battle between Liz Watson and Amy Parmenter will be huge and could be the difference between a win or a loss for either team. But while this matchup is critical there are plenty of big names gracing the court with the Jo Weston and Jo Harten matchup likely to be a huge factor given Weston’s ability to phase out her opposition and use her netball nous to zone the goaler away from the circle. If Weston can limit Harten and negate the long bomb shooter, the GIANTS could be in for a really tough battle. While Harten is a key cog through the attack for the GIANTS, watch out for the influence of Kiera Austin given her ability to swap and change positions where required and hit the scoreboard with ease. Caitlin Bassett has really hit her straps in the last few rounds tallying some significant numbers at the post so will be a huge handful for Emily Mannix. At the other end Sam Poolman and Kristiana Manu’a will be a force to be reckoned with against the Vixens goalers given Tegan Philip, Caitlin Thwaites and Mwai Kumwenda do not enjoy a heap of physicality inside the goal circle. With Manu’a’s controversial send-off during the week at the forefront of the GIANTS minds expect the goal defence to come out with a real point to prove. Expect Kate Eddy to come out firing in this match too, given she has slotted in very well for the Vixens down back.

Sunshine Coast Lightning v. Adelaide Thunderbirds
Sunday, 23 August

The final match of the round will see the Sunshine Coast Lightning take on the Adelaide Thunderbirds in what is a really intriguing matchup. The Lightning have been a benchmark in the competition for a few seasons now, meaning the Thunderbirds will really have their work cut out for them on this occasion. That being said, the Thunderbirds have been building in recent weeks with some impressive performances to start the season despite dropping a couple of matches, and are certainly capable of beating the best on their day.

While there are quite a few quality matchups across the court, a big midcourt battle will be fought between Laura Langman and Maisie Nankivell with both players playing a very similar game though with significant differences in their level of experience. While there is no guarantee the two will line up against each other, their respective tenacity and ability to assert themselves among all facets of the game will surely see them face off at some point. Meanwhile, Cara Koenen will have her work cut out for her when she takes on Shamera Sterling in the goal circle, with the young shooter currently carrying much of the load although Steph Wood can be a huge threat within the circle if she is able to ply her trade to her full capacity against England Roses defender, Layla Guscoth. Young gun Georgie Horjus has been playing a significant role out the front of Lenize Potgieter for the Thunderbirds, so look to see that combination once more, while the addition of Sasha Glasgow on return from injury is a handy option to rotate in and fill whichever attacking role she needs to, though she is still working toward full match fitness. Chelsea Pitman’s ability to assert herself on the contest and find circle edge with ease is sure to pay dividends, with her experience crucial when she takes on either Jacqui Russell or Maddy McAuliffe through the midcourt.

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Courtside Comments

Round 1 – Maisie Nankivell
Round 2 – Tippah Dwan
Round 3 – Sunday Aryang
Round 4 – Molly Jovic
Round 5 – Georgie Horjus