AS the 2022 Suncorp Super Netball Season (SSN) heads into its second half, every match becomes more and more crucial, especially the further you go down the ladder.

This weekend sees four more mouth watering clashes on the menu, including a Sydney Derby to round out the weekend. 

Melbourne Vixens v Queensland Firebirds
Saturday at 5pm AEST
John Cain Arena

After a good win against the Swifts, the Queensland Firebirds will be keen to keep that winning momentum going against the Vixens.

The Magpies certainly gave them a blueprint last week as to how to defeat the Vixens. Missing Kate Eddy certainly hindered the Vixens, but the Vixens cannot blame last week’s loss entirely on that.

They should get Eddy back this week which will certainly help them, but they have also looked a bit off at times recently so will need to return to their early season form and quickly.

Sunshine Coast Lighting v Adelaide Thunderbirds
Saturday at 7pm AEST
USC Stadium

This is a must win match for both sides, and one that both sides will certainly be keen to win. Particularly for the Lightning, who were absolutely trounced by the GIANTS last weekend. No Cara Koenen did not help, but she is only one player.

Meanwhile for the Thunderbirds, they showed glimpses against one of the best sides last week in the Fever, but just could not match it with them for four quarters. They will be looking for a more consistent, full four quarter performance this week.

West Coast Fever v Collingwood Magpies
Sunday at 12pm AWST
RAC Arena

After last weekend’s matches this encounter suddenly becomes more enticing for the neutral spectator. The Fever were pushed at times last week against the Thunderbirds, but will probably rightfully go into the match as favourites.

They come up against a Magpies side who has risen to fifth on the ladder after some big wins, and will be full of confidence after their win in the Melbourne Derby last week.

One thing the Magpies will have to stop the partnership between Sasha Glasgow and Jhaniele Fowler, while the Fever have to watch the potentially dangerous midcourt partnership between Molly Jovic and Kelsey Browne.

GIANTS Netball v NSW Swifts
Sunday at 4pm AEST
Ken Rosewall Arena

The Sydney Derby rounds out the action this week, so expect plenty of spiciness between the sides. These two sides are coming off two very different results against the Queensland sides last week.

The GIANTS come into the match brimming with confidence after trouncing the Lightning, while the Swifts were their own worst enemy as they went down to the Firebirds.

One thing the Swifts definitely need to improve is their passing into the shooting circle, which has let them down at times this season.

Meanwhile for the GIANTS, the shooting partnership between Jo Harten and Sophie Dwyer is continuing to improve every week, and will be something the Swifts need to keep an eye on if they want to win.