IN each round we will identify one key match-up and provide an in-depth analysis of both players and compare the two styles.

Queensland Firebirds v. Collingwood Magpies

GRETEL TIPPETT (GA) v. APRIL BRANDLEY (GD)

The match-up between one of the most athletic and unpredictable shooters in the league, Gretel Tippett and the in-form Collingwood defender, April Brandley could prove to be contest of the round.

Gretel Tippett is an excitement machine renowned for her extreme athleticism and game winning ability. She is clever with ball in hand and feeds the ball exceptionally well into her shooting partner Romelda Aiken. The shooter to shooter interplay is second to none with Tippet identifying the space and placing the ball there for Aiken. She does a wealth of work feeding into Aiken and coming out for the centre pass showcasing her running ability and endurance. Standing at 192cm the 25- year-old goaler is not afraid to impose her physicality on her opponents and uses her quick feet, speed and general netball nous to outrun and outplay her opposition. Her accuracy and volume at the post is also increasing and she will want to ensure that she is able to make presence felt in the goal circle.

Collingwood Magpies goal defence April Brandley is coming off a MVP performance last round showcasing her ability to shut down her opponent and still impose herself at the contest. Her tagging style of defence and constant pressure is a real feature of her game, while her hands over pressure also ensures that she places doubt in the shooters mind. Brandley is working well with new defensive partner, Geva Mentor with both combining well in the goal circle rolling off their players and confusing space for their opposition.

With both players renowned for different strengths in their game play it will make for an interesting contest. Brandley adopts a more tagging and run with, style of defence rather going out and hunting for the big intercept. Therefore, if she is able to nullify the influence of Tippet the Firebirds may find it hard to score as they rely heavily on the work she does to transition the ball down the court. However, Tippet is a taller opponent and has an arsenal of skills particularly in the air to reign in the loose balls making her a threat across the court.