ROUND 11 of Suncorp Super Netball will see a battle of one and two take place, with the Sunshine Coast Lightning taking on the NSW Swifts in hope to claim top spot. Meanwhile the improving West Coast Fever take on the Melbourne Vixens who are in hot form while Collingwood will be hoping to make their way back into the top four.

MELBOURNE VIXENS v. WEST COAST FEVER

The Melbourne Vixens are going from strength to strength and will be wanting to put the West Coast Fever away, given last time they met neither side could be separated ending in a 63-all draw. Both sides match up relatively evenly across the court given the star power up both ends but the battle could be won in the midcourt with the Vixens oozing a more dominant and experienced line-up compared to the Fever. Renae Ingles has been in career best form with her defensive pressure and drive through the midcourt an integral part of the Vixens’ play. Liz Watson and Kate Moloney control the attacking third with their clever ball placement and speed, making for an interesting match-up against Jess Anstiss, Verity Charles and Ingrid Colyer. Meanwhile, Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip are near-on unstoppable under the post when on song. While Fever have no shortage of match winners themselves with Jhaniele Fowler a commanding figure under the post, Alice Teague-Neeld and Kaylia Stanton must stand up if West Coast are of any chance to claim a big scalp against one of the most in form sides in the competition. The Vixens have plenty of options in defence with Emily Mannix, Jo Weston and Kadie-Ann Dehaney all able to win ball back and apply good physical pressure to attack opposition hands and cause turnovers.

SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING v. NSW SWIFTS

In a top of the ladder clash the Swifts will be seeking vengeance in the reverse fixture after going down to the Lightning by two goals early in the season. Having only lost to the Lightning this season the Swifts will want to notch up a win against Sunshine Coast before finals to give them that edge and belief. The Swifts announced a big name recruit this week with Katrina Rore set to come into the side as a permanent replacement player for Kate Eddy. The New Zealand Silver Fern will add great defensive pressure to an already star-studded line up with the likes of Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner impressive in their own right. Both sides play a very different style of netball with the Swifts renowned for their ability to treasure possession while the Lightning are more flashy with ball in hand, making for an exciting contest. Sunshine Coast defenders, Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni have been in red hot form picking up plenty of ball, causing all sorts of confusion in the goal circle and using their speed to pickpocket opponents. The combination between the pair is developing with each game while Laura Langman and Laura Scherian have really steered the ship in attack, delivering good ball into the likes of Steph Wood, Peace Proscovia and Cara Koenen. Youngster Tayla Fraser stood up for the Swifts last round and will be wanting to bring that strong form into this match-up while the Swifts have a plethora of options with the likes of Natalie Haythornthwaite and Elle Bennetts also able to come on and play their role.

GIANTS NETBALL v. QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS

The Firebirds got within striking distance last round only going down by two goals to the Lightning and will be hoping to continue that final quarter performance this round against the GIANTS. However, the GIANTS have built nicely into the season with all the little things falling into place with Caitlin Bassett and Jo Harten well and truly living up to the hype with their accuracy and volume to post. The last time these two sides met the GIANTS claimed an eight goal victory credit to their attacking prowess and netball smarts. The inexperienced Firebirds defensive duo of Kim Jenner and Tara Hinchliffe will once again be tested up against Harten and Bassett while Laura Clemesha could provide a good sense of leadership if brought on. For the GIANTS, the combination between Sam Poolman and Kristiana Manu’a has increased rapidly over the break with the two applying strong defensive pressure but will be tested athletically up against the likes of Romelda Aiken and Gretel Tippett. Both Tippett and Aiken are an imposing threat when on song given their clever shooter to shooter interplay, strong attack and aerial skill while Lenize Potgieter is also an option in the goal circle. Being the first and only game in Canberra for the season, the GIANTS will want to secure their fifth win of the season at their home away from home and stake a claim on the top four.

ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS v. COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES

After dropping out of the top four the Collingwood Magpies will be wanting to work their way back into finals contention while the Adelaide Thunderbirds have shown that they can stand up under the pressure staying in touch and pushing teams to their limits. The Magpies have won the past five encounters and will want to keep their hot streak running. The Thunderbirds will be hoping to regain gold medallist Maria Folau after she was a late omission last week. The goaler has plenty of class both under the post and out on the outskirts of the circle while partner in crime Sasha Glasgow has showcased her dominance in the attacking third with her strong leads and accuracy to post, finding plenty of the ball no matter her opposition. Defensively the Thunderbirds could struggle in the absence of co-captain and goal defence Layla Guscoth, with Kate Shimmin and Shadine Van De Merwe both feasible options to rotate through while Shamera Sterling must stand strong in goal keeper if they are to stop Collingwood. For the Magpies, Gabby Sinclair could be a key member in attack with her accuracy to post and dynamic movement to aid Shimona Nelson at the post, a player who has come along in leaps and bounds throughout the season. The Magpies will hope Kelsey Browne bounces back to her regular form this week after a slow start last week.