A HUGE round of Suncorp Super Netball action is up this weekend with Round 10 looking like one for the books. With milestones and potential final clashes alike, this round of netball has everything as teams come in off the back of some intriguing results last weekend.

Melbourne Vixens vs. NSW Swifts
Saturday, July 10 @3:00pm

Expect a huge clash between the Vixens and Swifts with both sides coming off unprecedented Round 9 wins last week. But while the Vixens certainly have their confidence up after a win over Sunshine Coast Lightning, the Swifts have everything to prove after a win over Fever and everything to gain as they look to secure the Sargent-McKinnis Cup. Expect the Swifts to come out with a hot start but they will need to do everything in their power to limit the Vixens after half-time with the Melbourne-based side’s second half proving to be their strong suit this season.

It is safe to say that the matchup between Emily Mannix and Sam Wallace is the one to watch in this one with both players having viable replacements if one or the other is not firing on all cylinders. Sophie Garbin has proven to be a huge drawcard for the Swifts this season and it is much the same for Jamaican import Kadie-Ann Dehaney as the Vixens goalkeeper can switch up her side’s backline within the blink of an eye, while Jo Weston will need to keep an eye out for a resurgent Helen Housby. Through the centre expect the matchups between Paige Hadley, Kate Eddy, Kate Moloney and Maddy Proud to play a significant role, while Hannah Mundy has really stepped up into the role of centre in the past few rounds so will look to have an impact from the get-go and Tayla Fraser has provided a valuable impact option off the bench. At the other end, Mwai Kumwenda and Sarah Klau are sure to go toe-to-toe, while Kaylia Stanton is coming off one of her best performances all season and will want to assert herself against an in-form Maddy Turner.

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West Coast Fever vs. Sunshine Coast Lightning
Saturday, July 10 @8:00pm

This second matchup between the Fever and the Lightning should be a real cracker with both sides coming in with a fire in the belly after losses last week. The Fever dismantled the Lightning earlier on in the season so will surely be coming back for seconds, however the Lightning have proved their best performances do have the capacity to individually beat players, they just need to all combine seamlessly to earn the win. Expect the Fever’s confidence and consistency to win out once more, however you can never underestimate the Lightning.

It will be very interesting this week to see who earns the starting goal attack position for Fever with Sasha Glasgow getting the start last week but Alice Teague-Neeld providing that spark alongside with Jhaniele Fowler and wreaking havoc on the front end. Meanwhile, Karla Pretorius had a huge start last round so could be key here, while Phumza Maweni may not play a whole game after coming off injured last week. That being said, they certainly have no slouch in their back pocket with Kate Shimmin more than capable of holding ground in goal keeper. At the other end, Courtney Bruce has been in sparkling form for the Fever and will look to wreak havoc on goal shooter Cara Koenen, with Peace Proscovia a viable option to come on as an impact player for the Lightning. Steph Wood’s speed and run of form will prove very interesting coming up against young gun Sunday Aryang or Stacey Francis-Bayman, while this match could realistically be won through the midcourt with Laura Scherian, Jess Anstiss, Verity Charles, Mahalia Cassidy and Maddy McAuliffe all set to go head to head to head. 

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Adelaide Thunderbirds vs. Queensland Firebirds
Sunday, July 11 @1:00pm

Another two sides coming off wins last round, this one could be a huge do or die clash for the Firebirds and Thunderbirds who are really vying for that last-ditch finals attempt. While it is probably unlikely either side could make finals with their up and down form, both have shown glimpses of what they are capable of this season and could certainly shake things up if they were to make a strong run home from here. Last time they met it was the Firebirds that reigned supreme, but you can never underestimate this Thunderbirds side especially when they have confidence behind them.

It will be a battle of the Jamaicans as Shamera Sterling and Romelda Aiken go head-to-head underneath the goals with both players serious firepowers for their respective teams. Sterling’s ability to spur her side into action is second-to-none, while Aiken’s excellent connection with Gretel Bueta constantly leaves the opposition with headaches. Matilda Garrett has been in excellent form while Shadine van der Merwe is also coming in off a great outing last week and will look to force changes in the Firebirds attack. The battle between Gabi Simpson and Maisie Nankivell is sure to set tongues wagging the both with both players in great spirits at the moment, while elsewhere Lenize Potgieter and Georgie Horjus have been fine-tuning their connection over the past few rounds. That being said, Tara Hinchliffe and Kim Jenner have been hard to stop when they get going and will take advantage of any loose ball that comes their way, making for a huge contest.

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Collingwood Magpies vs. GIANTS Netball
Sunday, July 11 @3:00pm

The final match of the round sees the biggest milestone of the round, as Geva Mentor suits up for her 200th national league game against the GIANTS. But while the Magpies have showcased some great form over the past few rounds, the GIANTS are an entirely different kettle of fish despite their current slump and inconsistency, and will be looking to bounce back against this Collingwood side which is also coming in off a loss, however must keep in mind the last time they played the Magpies, Mentor was missing from the fray. 

It is safe to say the match up to watch in this clash is the battle between Mentor and Jo Harten. The two England internationals know each other’s games inside and out, and both have had topsy-turvy seasons so far meaning whoever gets the upper hand early will most likely be able to retain control. Meanwhile, Jodi-Ann Ward and Ash Brazill have been in scintillating form for the Magpies and will want to utilise that to shut down the likes of Sophie Dwyer and Maddie Hay who have both shown glimpses of brilliance. Elsewhere through the midcourt is Magpies livewire Kelsey Browne who will take on Amy Parmenter and be looking to improve on her effort last week, while GIANTS’ Jamie-Lee Price is also a viable option to slip back into wing defence as she has done throughout the past couple of rounds. Both sides have looked slightly fatigued over the past few rounds, especially through the midcourt, so will need to assert dominance early and retain some real consistency to win that midcourt battle. The real test for the Magpies will be whether Gabby Sinclair is back in goal attack following a niggle last week, with her connection with Shimona Nelson really missed.

Picture credit: Collingwood Magpies Netball