WITH finals around the corner each side in the top four have shown they have what it takes to mix it with the best on their day. Each team has won against each other throughout the course of the season showcasing just how close the competition is heading into the pointy end of the season.

Sunshine Coast Lightning:

Position:1st
Win-loss: 12-0-1
Percentage: 112.85%

It has never been done before but if any team could do it, it would be the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Since Suncorp Super Netball was established no team has won the premiership after claiming the minor premiership but the Lightning could quite possibly break that hoodoo given their plethora of stars both on and off the court. In what will be her last matches with the side, Noeline Taurua has proven to be a coaching mastermind and will be looking to push her side once again to go back-to-back-to-back.

Game changer:
The Lightning have plenty of game changers across the court but none bigger than South African Karla Pretorius who continues dominate for the Sunshine Coast with her explosive speed, tenacity and netball nous. Pretorius is renowned for her ability to will herself to contests, win ball back from unthinkable positions and turn the game on its head in an instance. She has racked up a whopping 63 intercepts for the season and has single handedly dragged her team back into the contest when the chips were down. Her combination with Phumza Maweni has developed at a rate of knots meaning the duo pose a damaging threat come finals.

NSW Swifts:

Position:2nd
Win-loss: 10-1-3
Percentage: 111.92%

After an impressive start to the season the Swifts faltered at the wrong time of year, losing top spot and their right to host a home semi-final. NSW have been hit with plenty of injuries throughout the year with Maddy Proud going down with an ACL, Kate Eddy out for the remainder of the season and both Natalie Haythornthwaite and Helen Housby relegated to the bench with injury but have shown plenty of spirit. They have taken the competition by storm with their ability to treasure possession and capitalise under the post.

Game changer:
With Eddy out for the season, Trans-Tasman rival Katrina Rore made her way across the ditch and could prove to quite possibly be the game changer for the Swifts. Rore oozes class and defensive pressure credit to her experience and general netball understanding. Though she has not been with the team long, her injection into the side has been seamless while her versatility is equally as important for NSW proving that she can float between circle defence and midcourt defence in the blink of an eye and with ease. She can win ball back time and time again with her timely tips and well executed intercepts.

Melbourne Vixens:

Position: 3rd
Win-loss: 8-1-5
Percentage: 107.87%

The Melbourne Vixens are no strangers to the finals, having been there on occasion in their history but failing to make an impact in recent years, making this year all the more important. The Vixens have struggled with consistency throughout the season unable to string four quarter performances together but have shown that they have the fire power to do plenty of damage when on song. Emily Mannix, Jo Weston and Renae Ingles have proven to be hard to combat given their defensive prowess while since making the switch from the Magpies Caitlin Thwaites has not skipped a beat, owning the circle with her holds and accuracy.

Game changer:
Tegan Philip has been a real barometer for the Vixens throughout the year and has the skill to cause havoc in the goal circle if given enough time and space. The goal attack is renowned for both her work out the front and in the goal circle. Her ability to read the play and inject herself into the game is second to none, using her vision and well-timed sweeps to receive the ball in prime position in the circle.

Collingwood Magpies:

Position: 4th
Win-loss: 7-2-5
Percentage: 102.2%

Collingwood have well and truly had one hell of a month, snatching fourth spot in the final game of the home and away season by a mere 0.6 per cent. The Magpies have had an inconsistent season to date, struggling to build momentum and live up to the hype but have shown they have the class and know how to win when it counts. The black and white have been dealt their fair share of injuries with both Madi Browne and Kelsey Browne rupturing their ACLs, leaving a big hole in the Collingwood midcourt and forcing the Pies to stand up in their absence.

Game changer:
English international Geva Mentor can turn a game on its head with her intense defensive pressure and composure. Mentor is no stranger to the big stage having won two premierships with the Lightning credit to her ball winning attributes, netball smarts and dynamic footwork to get to the ball cleanly and contest. She is a key player for the Magpies with her ability to cause confusion in the defensive circle and pick off passes as she pleases, making her a huge threat for opposition teams going into the finals.