WITH the final round of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) action almost done and dusted, instead of running through a key head to head, this round Draft Central will run through individual gamechangers who could turn the tide for their respective teams. With all four teams set to play finals next week, these two matches will ultimately decide final places on the 2021 ladder and which sides will have a second chance come finals.

>>FULL ROUND PREVIEW

NSW Swifts (3rd) vs. Sunshine Coast Lightning (4th)

For the Swifts there are plenty of viable gamechangers amongst the squad but ultimately the one who will need to have a huge game to get a win over the Lightning is Sarah Klau, with the defender needing to fire on all cylinders to negate the Lightning’s powerful attack. The goal keeper has had a solid season, rarely looking out of depth and while she is not always the showiest defender she is a critical part of not only the Swifts’ overall outfit but also their defensive unit. When Klau is on, there is very little that the Swifts cannot do, with her confidence radiating up the court as her long arms snatch in the turnover ball and create forward forays. Her combination and connection with Maddy Turner and ability to work in tandem with any number of viable wing defenders makes her a key cog through that back line and one to watch in this clash.

For the Lightning, the real gamechanger in this match will be Steph Wood – if she’s able to take the court. The goal attack has been a pivotal part of the lightning attack end this season and they just do not look the same without her in that front end. While Cara Koenen is more than capable of holding ground in the goal circle, the side really lacks that extra bit of connection off circle edge between Wood and Laura Scherian when the playmaking goaler is missing in action. Wood’s fancy footwork and ability to make a nuisance of herself both on and off the ball is critical for the Lightning’s success and while they do not need a win here to make finals the goaler is a real confidence player and would sorely benefit from having that extra time on court in a successful match before the team plays finals. If Wood does not take the court, it will be down to the defensive combination of Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni.

West Coast Fever (1st) vs. GIANTS Netball (2nd)

It may be a predictable name to throw up as a game-changer but there is no doubt that this match will hinge on the form of Courtney Bruce. The Fever goalkeeper has been undeniably the best defender in the competition this season and really sets the tone for the entire Fever team with her defensive intent and willingness to contest for every single ball. Her combination with both Stacey Francis-Bayman and Sunday Aryang is second-to-none with the two defenders more than capable of commanding attention to allow Bruce to read the play and wreak havoc. Bruce’s ability to rally her side into action and creatively force errors from her opposition are key and while she is not afraid of the whistle, Bruce also has the innate ability to find clean possession and propel ball back up the court.

Like the first game, this match could really come down to whether April Brandley will play following an ankle injury during the week. The goal defence has had a renewed look to her game this season and there is no doubt that she is in her greatest form across the past few years, adapting seamlessly to the GIANTS’ defensive style. Brandley’s ability to niggle away at her opposition and force little errors here and there could be key, especially coming up against a player who does not like to put up a heap of shots in Alice Teague-Neeld. Brandley’s connection with Sam Poolman and Amy Parmenter will also be hugely significant here with the three defenders providing a constant buffer in the backline for the GIANTS and consistently winning ball back which will need to be taken advantage of at the other end.

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