ROUND 10 of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) action produced intriguing results across the board, as four huge clashes took the court including another upset over the West Coast Fever, and a slow start from the Melbourne Vixens. In this series, Draft Central will look at five key learnings from the round whether it be consistent themes or standout performances.

Milestones aplenty paving the way

The SSN is arguably the best competition in the world with so many formidable figures across the league and continuous milestones being celebrated. With no less than five milestones celebrated this round alone – 50 national league matches for Tara Hinchliffe, Cara Koenen, Mahalia Cassidy and Hannah Petty and 200 national league matches for Geva Mentor – the competition for spots has never been greater, with plenty of talent in each team’s back pocket. For the four Australians who celebrated milestones this round, it is a testament to their consistency and form against some of the greatest international talent worldwide to earn 50 caps at the national level. Meanwhile, there is no arguing what a player like Mentor has done for the sport, with the English international’s milestone coinciding with her 20-year international debut for the Roses and 20 years of paving the way for young players across the world. With plenty of milestones already passed this season and plenty still likely to come, there is no doubting the impact the aforementioned players have made, with two captains – Mentor and Petty – and a co-captain – Hinchliffe – amongst the group, and leading the way.

Are the Fever in a slump or has their formula been figured out?

With a second straight loss going the Fever’s way on the weekend, it begs the question of whether the side is simply in a slump of form following a high-power start to the season, or whether it is more sinister than that, with the alternative that their winning formula has been figured out. While this loss could simply be one or the other, it could also well be a combination of the two as they remain in fourth on the ladder. Either way, it is safe to say that the side did not look quite as confident as usual against the Sunshine Coast Lightning this week, despite dominating the head-to-head in recent seasons, with a number of players failing to fire under pressure and Stacey Marinkovich forced to show her cards once more with a moving circle to finish. Both the NSW Swifts and Lightning have been in fine form over the past few rounds and show no signs of slowing, but the Fever have been hugely reliable and tricky to overcome this season, meaning that the winning formula could well be there for the taking. Realistically, the Fever have every chance of making it to the grand final if they can continue their early season form when they left no prisoners, but they are certainly the hunted right now.

The difference between the top and bottom sides grows every week

While it is safe to say that there are front-runners in every SSN season, there is no doubt this season that there is a much greater difference between the top and bottom ends. Whether it is looking at the scoreline, quality of games or even statistics, there is a stark comparison with only a couple of upsets breaking up fairly predictable results. At this point in time, it is safe to say that the top sides are Swifts, Lightning and Fever, with GIANTS and Firebirds making up the very small middle ground, and the Vixens, Thunderbirds and Magpies labouring away at the bottom. While all eight teams boast plenty of firepower all across the court, it is becoming easier and easier to anticipate which teams will win each round, and bar a couple of shock upsets it is clear which sides are still in the rebuild phase. Unfortunately, with three teams – Vixens, Magpies and Thunderbirds – still realistically rebuilding and Firebirds in the recovery period of their rebuild a few seasons ago, these four sides are not viable finalists; even if the Firebirds make finals their consistency has left a lot to be desired this season.

Vixens still lack winning mentality

There is no doubt when looking at the Vixens’ list, there is talent in droves across the court despite their struggles on game day. But that in itself is where lies the issue – the talent is there, but the hunt is lacking, with an inexperienced front-end failing to fire when required. The defensive effort has not skipped a beat from 2020 with Jo Weston, Emily Mannix and Kadie-Ann Dehaney combining better than ever, and Kate Moloney leading the charge up the court with the long arm brigade in tow, but there just seems to be no bite in the front-end. While Mwai Kumwenda is an incredibly dangerous goaler, her accuracy and ability to pile on the scoreboard pressure is nothing without ample feeds and a goal attack drawing attention and wreaking havoc out the front. While it is safe to say that Kaylia Stanton and Ruby Barkmeyer are both fighting for that starting position and offer very different roles in goal attack, neither is quite able to do what they need to – or Kumwenda needs them to do – to work the Malawian sharpshooter into the game. With only two wins under their belt this season the Vixens are not playing like winners or looking like winners, and need to redeem that soon if they want to ensure they do not finish the season with the wooden spoon.

Who will finish at the top of the ladder? 

Just four rounds remain for a season 2021, and while it is becoming very clear that at least three of the top four spots are sewn up now, top spot is where the real question lies. While the Swifts currently hold top spot with Lightning, GIANTS and Fever narrowly in tow, home court advantage could become crucial as sides look to generate some momentum heading into finals. Three teams sit on seven wins with just GIANTS trailing on six, and still two wins ahead of the Firebirds in fifth, while the Fever still have a game in the bank, meaning there is still plenty that could change in the coming weeks. Fever still hold the best ladder percentage (113.7 per cent) despite sitting on 16 points alongside the Firebirds, meaning if they can finish off the remainder of the season successfully they should not have any issue making finals even if the Firebirds edge closer to contention, while realistically it will be either Swifts or Lightning that takes top spot with the form of the GIANTS just not quite hitting the mark as we get down to the nitty-gritty point of the season.

Picture credit: Collingwood Magpies Netball