AFTER a huge round of upset wins with both the Magic and Mystics claiming big scalps, Round 8 will bring plenty of excitement. At this stage in the competition no one looks likely to catch the Central Pulse who have pushed ahead to a three game difference at the top of the ladder.

Northern Stars v. Southern Steel

Both sides are coming off big losses and will be wanting to assert their dominance on the competition. The Stars have lost their past two games, forced into uncharacteristic errors and ill-disciplined mistakes so they will want to rectify that issue. The Southern Steel were thoroughly beaten by ladder leaders, Pulse who put out a four quarter performance.

The Stars and Steel have impressive bookends with Maia Wilson heading up the Northern Stars attack end credit to her accuracy under the post, smooth movement in the circle and strong hold to create space in the goal circle. For the Steel, Lenize Potgieter has shown that she is a force to be reckoned with, putting up a high volume of shots and using her general netball smarts to get into damaging positions in the goal circle. It will come down to the workload of the goal attack to determine who wins the shooting battle. Both sides have formidable and experienced goal attacks with Ellen Halpenny a good mover across the court and handy at the post, while Steel’s Te Paea Selby-Rickit also offers great support in the goal circle.

Defensively the unit of Leana De Bruin, Kayla Cullen and Storm Purvis have a lot to prove for the Stars if they are to push for a finals tilt. Collectively the three work exceptionally well rotating through the circle and apply good hands over pressure to block the ball carrier. For the Steel it will be up to the likes of Te Huinga Selby-Rickit to take control and provide that experience down back to try and quell the influence of the Stars shooters.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic v. Mainland Tactix

The Magic are coming off a huge win against the third placed Northern Stars so they will come into the match with plenty of excitement and belief, whereas the Tactix will be hoping to work their way back into the winners list after a shock loss last round.

As the season has gone on the combination between goalers, Kelsey McPhee and Monica Falkner has steadily developed and really shifted up a gear last week with both contributing a high percentage and volume of shots. If they can recapture that form this week they could prove to be a handful for the Tactix. In the goal circle for the Tactix Ellie Bird will be the go-to girl with her impressive accuracy under the post, clever positioning and ability to hold space a real feature of her game.

Led by the likes of Casey Kopua and Kelly Jury in defence, the Magic ooze class. Both defenders are renowned for their physical presence, ability to read the play, quick feet and clever positioning making them an unstoppable duo when on song. For the Tactix, Jane Watson has been a shining light with her impressive lean. Another exciting match-up will be between centres Kimmiora Poi and Sam Sinclair given their different natures. Poi is more an attacking player while Sinclair is known for her defensive ability making for interesting viewing.

Central Pulse v. Northern Mystics

The Pulse are yet to drop a game and though the Mystics have won their past two matches you would expect the Pulse to flex their muscles and dominate from start to finish. The Mystics will have plenty of confidence and have shown that they can work themselves back into the game, but the Pulse have star power across the court and will want to continue their winning streak.

With key players up either end the matchup through the midcourt will be one to watch with Tayla Earle and Emma Iversen really coming into their own in the past couple of weeks for the Mystics. The combination between the two has grown over the past few weeks and they are finding space down the court easier. Meanwhile, the Pulse will be hoping that Whitney Souness dominates in the attacking third with her speed and good vision.

It will come down to the shooting circle with the Pulse circle moving like clockwork, with Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Aliyah Dunn combining effortlessly. Their ability to set up screens for one another and shooter to shooter interplay are a real feature of their game they will be hard to stop. A consistent issue for the Mystics has been their ability to score, with accuracy a main problem, but the inclusion of Grace Nweke in recent weeks has paid dividends. Bailey Mes and Jamie Hume have struggled at times but Nweke has provided a constant target and allowed the other goalers to rotate through.