THE second half of Round 8 of the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) is set to get underway this weekend with Sunshine Coast Lightning hosting Collingwood Magpies. Currently in third spot the Lightning will be hoping to topple the Pies with the match-up of Phumza Maweni and Shimona Nelson front and centre.

Sunshine Coast Lightning vs. Collingwood Magpies
Phumza Maweni (GK) vs. Shimona Nelson (GS)

Expect a high-octane and physical battle under the post between the two internationals as Nelson and Maweni go head-to-head. Both players are critical for their respective sides and often set the tone with their court craft and influence making for an intriguing contest.

Maweni has gained a lot of momentum in the past couple of rounds of SSN action with the goal keeper using her timing and elevation to wreak havoc down back. She is exceptionally light on her feet and has a tendency to bob up every now to steal the ball out of mid-air which she will be hoping to replicate in this performance. When Maweni is on fire there is no stopping her and often allows the likes of Karla Pretorius to unlock her dominant ball hunting form which the Lightning will want to exploit against the hesitant Magpies. Maweni is a real barometer for the side given her ability to control the tempo of the match. She is able to play both a holding or a moving defender credit to her smarts and read of the play to adjust her style accordingly. Although slight in stature, the South African defender does not easily get pushed off the ball and is a commanding force when it comes to challenging for the rebound with her ability to box out the attacker and go up cleanly a real asset. Maweni is not afraid to go screaming out of the circle for a cross court intercept and has the closing speed to do so while her clever footwork enables her to manoeuvre around her opponent.

In her 50th SSN game, Nelson will be really hoping to hit her stride and impose herself early. Often criticised for her soft hands on the take the Jamaican goal shooter has shown no sign of weakness on that front this season  instead ripping the ball out of the air time and time again. she has steadily grown with confidence throughout the season so far, holding strong under the post and using her body angles to keep her defenders at bay. With incredible elevation and an ability to make any pass look good, Nelson will have to be on song from the opening minutes of the contest if she is to give Collingwood a chance to win. Her connection with Kelsey Browne will be one to watch with the speedster able to light up the court and spot Nelson with ease. but the pair are at their best when Nelson is able to keep her defender on her back and whether it be Browne, Ash Brazill or Molly Jovic have the confidence to release the high looping pass.

Both players boast plenty of strength in the aerial department with Nelson a real maestro and Maweni no slouch when it comes to stopping the high ball from entering the defensive circle. For the Lightning to win, Maweni will need to push Nelson to the baseline or up high to cramp her for space and put her under pressure on the take. If Maweni sticks to Nelson like glue and makes sure that she  is unable to find room off the body and work the ball to her advantage it could spell victory for the Lightning.  Conversely for Collingwood to win, Nelson needs to present nice and strong and use her leap and split to inch closer to the post to keep Maweni’s hands away from the ball.

Related articles: Round 8 SSN preview

Photo credit: AAP