WITH big injuries to start the season finishing with a loss in Round 1, it became apparent early that the West Coast Fever of 2018 would not be making a miraculous 2019 resurgence. An up and down start to the season sees last year’s grand finalists sitting in sixth on the ladder at the midway point of the season, unable to back up a stellar 2018 effort.

Ladder: 6th
Win-loss: 2-4-3
Percentage: 92.32%
Bonus points: 11

Overview:

With only two wins under their belts but three draws in season 2019 thus far, Fever have been unlucky to sit in sixth after nine rounds. The Fever have proven they have the ability to take it to teams, drawing with Melbourne Vixens, Queensland Firebirds and GIANTS Netball in a four week period, separated only by a two goal victory in the middle. With injuries affecting lineups in the early stage of the season, the side only just settled before hitting the break.

Surprises:

One of the biggest surprises for Fever in the first half of the season was how much the lack of captain, Courtney Bruce in defence affected the side after going down to injury in Round 1, allowing two 80 goal performances in consecutive weeks as they struggled to contain their opposition. But while the Fever scrambled without Bruce as an option defensively, the lack of their captain allowed Shannon Eagland and Olivia Lewis to take the court in defence and opened up different options for the Fever defence. Though Bruce made her return in recent weeks, Eagland was allowed time on court with Stacey Francis pushed out to wing defence, almost proving a blessing in disguise by creating a more versatile defensive unit for the side.

Improvements:

The Fever may not have had many highs this season, but there have been some improvements worth noting across the first nine rounds of the season, namely the work done by Kaylia Stanton in goal attack. Despite perhaps not yet having the consistency Fever need in attack, Stanton has set herself up to be the starting goal attack this season credit to her improved work ethic and more willingness to go to post. While Jhaniele Fowler is still the go-to at the post, Stanton has opened up her game to hit the scoreboard and apply pressure on the ball to cause turnovers. While Stanton could have had more of an impact in the first half of the season, she still has plenty of time left in the season to find her form and create a real name for herself in Suncorp Super Netball.

Expectations:

Fever will get a few more wins on the board before the end of the season but just miss the mark for finals due to their inconsistency early in the year.