WITH finals right around the corner, Suncorp Super Netball Round 12 saw some phenomenal matchups across every games and some highly talented players take the court. The condensed fixture and introduction of rolling subs this year have seen plenty of young names already jump on the court and have a huge impact despite their lack of experience. We take a look at each game and note which players shifted the gears and switched up the momentum.

West Coast Fever (80) defeated NSW Swifts (71)

A fast start from the Fever all but gifted them the ascendancy throughout the remainder of the game. Jhaniele Fowler was once again formidable under the post sinking a staggering 20 goals straight in the first quarter alone and while Alice Teague-Neeld only put up two shots her work rate was impressive separating Lauren Moore and Sarah Klau in defence to allow Fowler to dominate. The Swifts defence had no answers for the Jamaican goal shooter who could do no wrong under the post such was her prowess throughout the opening term. In the absence of Ingrid Colyer, Emma Cosh has stepped up to the plate and this quarter was no different as the wing attack found a wealth of space to deliver ball into Fowler time and time again.

Collingwood Magpies (53) defeated by Melbourne Vixens (61)

After being well beaten in the opening term the Vixens came out with a point to prove in the second term as Jo Weston turned the jets on in defence. The goal defence came out firing hunting every single ball that came her way, nullifying the influence of Gabby Sinclair both under the post and in the attacking third with her smothering pressure. Weston worked in tandem with Emily Mannix to stop Shimona Nelson while Kate Eddy plied her trade out the front in wing defence as the defensive trio denied ball from entering the circle. Weston single-handedly swung the momentum into the Vixens favour collecting four deflections with two resulting in gains. Her efforts were matched by the shooters as Mwai Kumwenda and Tegan Philip found their rhythm rendering the Magpies ineffective across the court.

Sunshine Coast Lightning (75) defeated Queensland Firebirds (67)

Although they did not win the first quarter the introduction of Lightning and Diamonds goal attack Steph Wood was exactly what Sunshine Coast was looking for. Starting the game on the bench, Wood injected a wealth of speed into the attacking third and brought the likes of Laura Langman and Laura Scherian into the game. Her speed was unmatched by Kim Jenner while her playmaking skills were on full display. Coming on in the final five minutes of the quarter, her injection was not fully felt until the second quarter where she settled into the match and set the court alight with her dynamic movement, quick hands into Cara Koenen and vision to keep the Firebirds guessing. Wood seemed to have the ball on a string and changed the course of the game with her get up and go mentality.

Adelaide Thunderbirds (54) defeated by GIANTS Netball (64)

The midcourt shake-up from the GIANTS proved to be crucial to keeping them in the hunt after struggling to get going in the opening term. Amy Parmenter injected a wealth of speed and excitement through the centre while the longer arms of Kristiana Manu’a in wing defence seemed to pay dividends for the GIANTS. April Brandley added a touch of class and experience down back as the GIANTS started to win back a wealth of ball and generate some strong defensive plays that translated into goals as things started to kick into gear. Despite not spending a lot of time in centre on the SSN stage, Parmenter took to the switch like a duck to water, finding the circle edge with great ease and most importantly linking up with Kiera Austin who found her range to turn the tables on the Thunderbirds and claim the lead and subsequent momentum.