ROUND 5 of Suncorp Super Netball is here, and with it brings some massive matches that could see the ladder shuffle massively. A battle for the top of the ladder will ensue between Melbourne Vixens and NSW Swifts, while two big name players will face their respective 2018 sides for the first time this season. Meanwhile, Queensland Firebirds and West Coast Fever will both fight for their first win of the season and Sunshine Coast Lightning will hope for victory with a potential top two position up for grabs.

Collingwood Magpies v. West Coast Fever

In Nat Medhurst’s first official match against Fever since signing with the Magpies in late 2018, one can be sure that Medhurst will come out fighting against her old team – and given the Magpies’ current winning record at home, the side should be confident against the current cellar dwellers. However, given Fever’s strong effort against the unbeaten Vixens in Round 4, the Magpies cannot afford to take this match lightly, especially with the likes of Courtney Bruce making her return to the court after an injury sustained in Round 1. Kaylia Stanton impressed last week for Fever, stepping up and taking initiative in goal attack, while Magpies’ Shimona Nelson also had a strong game last round. The big match-up to look forward to in this game is between Geva Mentor and Jhaniele Fowler, with both players dominating in Round 4, though the outcomes of their respective matches were very different. Mentor’s footwork to get around the body, confuse space in the circle and create turnovers from nothing will be vital through defence, meaning Fever will be unable to rely on Fowler’s height and aerial ability to get goals on the board. For Magpies to win this game the side will need to up their midcourt defensive pressure and lift their consistency.

Sunshine Coast Lightning v. GIANTS Netball

It is a big match for two sides that made massive changes over the off-season, but while GIANTS have had a successful few rounds it is the Lightning who seem to have settled better into their lineup at this stage of the season. The injection of Laura Langman, Peace Proscovia and Phumza Maweni into the side has seen Lightning dominate two of their three wins, while the connections on court seem natural with good flow and speed coming through the midcourt. The GIANTS have a two match winning streak on their hands so have finally gained some consistency, however inconsistent performances across the board in every match shows the GIANTS have far to go before they reach their full potential. To make matters even more interesting, this will be the first time Caitlin Bassett takes on her former side and ex-coach Noeline Taurua, in the GIANTS’ new-look goal circle. Meanwhile, the defensive unit of Karla Pretorius and South African teammate, Maweni could be the game changer against the likes of Bassett and Jo Harten, with Pretorius having already collected 24 intercepts this season from four matches. Given the GIANTS’ woes in the goal circle, if Pretorius and Maweni are switched on they should not have much of an issue collecting the loose ball. Lightning have a chance of jumping into the top two with a win, sitting in third on percentage and bonus points alone, though will rely on a loss or draw in Sunday’s match between Vixens and Swifts to stay there.

Melbourne Vixens v. NSW Swifts

In likely the biggest match of the round it is the battle for bragging rights between one and two, with the Vixens and Swifts competing for top spot as well as the Sargeant-McKinnis Cup. The Vixens are currently sitting undefeated with three wins and a draw from four rounds, while the Swifts were handed their first loss of the season in Round 4 to sit in second. Despite the fast and strong start to the season, Round 4 saw both teams well and truly tested against their respective opposition with neither side standing up to the pressure. The two sides play a similar style of netball, meaning it will be a battle of execution across the court with accuracy and intensity no issue for either team. Though unlikely to be direct opponents, the midcourt fight between Swifts’ Paige Hadley and Vixens’ Liz Watson will be one to watch with both players in exceptional form creating opportunities across the court and into the goal circle. Watson came alive in the dying minutes against the Fever in Round 4, creating pivotal turnovers to change the course of the match, while Hadley is producing some of her best netball credit to her ability to take the game on and control flow through the midcourt.

Adelaide Thunderbirds v. Queensland Firebirds

A shock exclusion of Romelda Aiken this week could spell trouble for the Firebirds, already missing Kim Jenner through injury while Gabi Simpson was managed in Round 4, playing a half-load on return from a week off. The Firebirds have had a disappointing start to the season with three losses and one draw to their name, so need a win this week against the Thunderbirds – however the spectacular form of Shamera Sterling could throw a spanner in the works with Aiken out for a week and Amy Sommerville likely taking the court in her spot. The form of goal attack, Gretel Tippett, who is currently sitting on 99 consecutive goals and has been in career-best form over the past nine months, will be pivotal as she takes the court likely to carry the brunt of the shooting load against the excitement machines of Sterling and Layla Guscoth. Defensively, the Firebirds have the skill and energy in the circle to get the job done, however it will once again be an issue of experience versus young talent with the likes of Maria Folau likely lining up on Tara Hinchliffe in goal defence. With Thunderbirds having the home-court advantage against the ailing Firebirds, it is not unlikely they can get up this week and get their second win for the season.