IN each round of Suncorp Super Netball we will identify key match-ups, provide an analysis of players and compare the two styles. The semi-final sees a couple of well-versed internationals lock horns in Lightning goal attack Steph Wood and England Roses and West Coast Fever defender Stacey Francis.

SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING v. WEST COAST FEVER
Steph Wood (GA) v. Stacey Francis (GD)

It will a be a battle of internationals on Sunday as Wood and Francis go head to head in hope to progress their side into the grand final – the fourth consecutive grand final for the Lightning if they pull off the win this week. Both players ooze plenty of star power and when on song can single-handedly alter the course of a game with their influence across the court. Versatility is also key for both players with Francis able to swing into wing defence while Wood can transition into wing attack if needed.

The Lightning goal attack is not only a crucial cog under the post but so too out the front. She is a real playmaker for the Lightning frontend bringing the likes of Laura Langman and Laura Scherian into the game credit to her impressive vision, cuts and drives and overall netball smarts. Scherian has been down on form in 2020 meaning Wood has spent a wealth of time out the front creating those attacking forays with her hot hand, clever ball placement and nifty footwork enabling her to star. A formidable force out in the centre third and in the attacking third, Wood tends to do her most damage in the final minutes of every term when the super shot comes into play. Her confidence and ability to score from range has allowed her to mount plenty of comebacks throughout the season while also put the foot down to create some separation in matches. Wood is a smooth mover, unafraid to back herself from range and can use her speed to avoid the physicality of her opposition. The shooter to shooter interplay between Wood and Cara Koenen has developed at a rate of knots in 2020 with the duo able to connect with great ease thanks to the goal attack delivering the ball on a silver platter to Koenen under the post.

For the Fever, Francis has been influential, consistently able to win ball back for her side and be a menace thanks to her deceptive speed and hunger. Francis contests just about every single pass that comes her way, such is her dominance. She can play a multitude of roles, able to shut down her opponent with her tagging nature, or play that more aggressive ball hungry role to stop the flow of opposition teams. Francis is lightning quick and reads the play well, enabling her to suffocate her opponent and shut down their space to subsequently clog up the space and create opportunities to win possession. Her partnership with Courtney Bruce is impressive with the two able to rotate in and out of the circle to back one another up when the occasion fits, and consistently win ball. Francis is strong through transition, often presenting as an option at the centre pass and through the centre third to help out the likes of Jess Anstiss, youngster Sunday Aryang when on court and Verity Charles.

It will come down to whether or not Wood will be able to not only inflict scoreboard pain but so too dictate the play out the front to create opportunities for the Lightning. Francis is a physical player who thrives off the intensity and high stakes, meaning if she can get in the head of Wood early, put her off the shot, shut down her drive into the circle and apply strong hands over pressure it will go a long way in the Fever securing a grand final berth.