THE penultimate round of Suncorp Super Netball 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.

Collingwood Magpies (53) defeated by Sunshine Coast Lightning (63)

The positional switch through the midcourt for the Lightning changed the momentum early as the connection between Laura Langman and Steph Wood impressed. Playing in wing defence to start the match, Langman’s drive and class was missed through the attacking third as Maddy McAuliffe got the nod in centre before moving back into the wing defence slot. But once the change was made the Lightning clicked into gear, finding space in the attacking third as Wood and Langman linked up with ease while Cara Koenen dominated under the post with her sidestep on Geva Mentor. The fast moving Sunshine Coast frontline seemed to be humming as they had the ball on a string and capitalised on their opportunities as the likes of Jodi-Ann Ward struggled to inject herself into the game.

West Coast Fever (71)  defeated GIANTS Netball (66)

The introduction of Kaylia Stanton seemed to be the piece missing in the Fever attack line with Alice Teague-Neeld held goalless and unable to have her usual influence out the front in terms of goal assists. Stanton came to life in the second quarter, subsequently forcing the hand of the GIANTS with April Brandley entering the game as they reshuffled the defensive cards. Stanton’s influence started to come into play with the goal attack spotting Jhaniele Fowler with relative ease and most importantly hitting the scoreboard herself. The cogs started to tick over in the Fever frontline as the move of Verity Charles into wing attack and Jess Anstiss into centre really started to motor and swing momentum into their favour. Fowler’s dominance was paramount, overcoming the physicality of Sam Poolman as the Fever piled on 21 goals in the third term to steal the lead and flex their muscles.

Adelaide Thunderbirds (54) defeated by NSW Swifts (57)

After playing majority of the game in wing attack, Georgie Horjus slotted into her more familiar role of goal attack in the final quarter and made a real difference. Although the Thunderbirds fell agonisingly short, going down by three goals, the youngster shifted the momentum into the favour of Adelaide with her long bomb shooting coming to the fore. The final minute and half of the game however was played on the Swifts terms with the reigning premiers showcasing why they are finals bounds with their composure and ability to treasure possession to keep the Thunderbirds at bay. The defensive pressure from Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner was testament to the Swifts skill while the accurate shooting from Sophie Garbin and Helen Housby put a dampener on the Thunderbirds come back.

Melbourne Vixens (58) defeated by Queensland Firebirds (64)

The defensive pressure stemming from Kim Jenner, Tara Hinchliffe and Gabi Simpson across the four quarters was undeniable. After coming off a relatively quiet performance Simpson was on fire throughout their clash with the minor premiers forcing Tayla Honey to the bench and steadily nullifying the influence of Elle McDonald around circle edge to pick up a wealth of ball. Her effort out the front alongside Mahalia Cassidy enabled the likes of Jenner and Hinchliffe to go to work and collect intercepts and deflections aplenty down back. Their constant physicality and arms over pressure caused the Melbourne Vixens to tinker with their shooting combinations as Tegan Philip, Caitlin Thwaites and Mwai Kumwenda all rotated through the circle but failed to get the wood over their opponents as the Firebirds defenders consistently sensed the switch in momentum and stopped the Vixens in their tracks to get the win.