ROUND 4 of Suncorp Super Netball over the weekend saw some phenomenal matchups across all four games and some highly talented players take the court. The condensed fixture and introduction of rolling subs this year has 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 (62) defeated by West Coast Fever (63)

Well held in the opening quarter thanks to Jhaniele Fowler dictating the terms of the game with her accuracy to post the Pies were immediately on the back-foot. However they steadily worked their way back into the contest, going on to win the next three quarters with their silky ball movement only to fall short of a draw in the final seconds of the match. A missed opportunity from Shimona Nelson to dish off to Gabby Sinclair in the super shot zone could have changed the result of the game, had Sinclair sunk the shot. The game was there for the taking as Collingwood had the centre pass to come and were humming in attack with Kelsey Browne and Madi Browne delivering bullet passes into the circle and executing their drives to the pocket to catch the Fever off guard but a lapse in awareness from the Collingwood goal shooter left many thinking of what could have been.

Queensland Firebirds (61) drew with GIANTS Netball (61)

It is fair to say that this game was dictated well and truly by young defender Kim Jenner who set the court alight. Each and every time her side started to trail the youngster did the impossible whether it be coming through to take a huge intercept or create a deflection for a teammate to pick-up. She had a game to remember but it was her second quarter performance that really gave the Firebirds that competitive edge with the goal defence amassing a whopping four deflections, one intercept and two gains. Up against the experience of Jo Harten and Caitlin Bassett in the goal circle, Jenner used her physicality, footwork and defensive prowess to nullify their influence and shut down the space. Her drive and ball winning ways paid dividends for the home team as Romelda Aiken and Tippah Dwan rewarded her efforts under the post to apply scoreboard pressure and keep their side within touching distance of the GIANTS. While they did not win it was her performance that sparked the Firebirds across the court to hunt every pass and steal momentum.

Sunshine Coast Lightning (65) defeated NSW Swifts (58)

Holding on at half time the Lightning put the foot down in the third term to blow the Swifts out of the water as Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni went to work down in defence to collect five gains between them. But it was the increased pressure across the court that turned the game and stopped the reigning premiers in their tracks with Maddy McAuliffe nullifying the rotating wing attacks in Natalie Haythornthwaite and Maddy Proud. It was the Sunshine Coast of old as Laura Langman had the ball on a string while Cara Koenen well and truly announced herself to the rest of the competition as one to watch. Koenen effectively led the charge in the goal circle with a whopping 17 goals from 19 attempts in the third quarter alone, showcasing her explosiveness, change of direction and strength to withstand the pressure of Sarah Klau, Maddy Turner and Lauren Moore as Langman penetrated the defence with ease and precision.

Melbourne Vixens (47) defeated by Adelaide Thunderbirds (54)

Much like Jenner’s performance for the Firebirds it was Shamera Sterling that changed the outlook of the game for the Thunderbirds with the Jamaican goal keeper all but stunning the Vixens attack with her sheer aerial presence. Sterling was involved in just about everything, throwing Tegan Philip off the shot with her long lean and contesting each and every high ball into Mwai Kumwenda to place doubt in the feeders minds. Sterling came out hunting in the defensive third to stop the chances of the Vixens even entering the goal circle amassing six gains, two intercepts, two rebounds and nine deflections. Her influence in defence was undeniable as was the combination of Lenize Potgieter and Georgie Horjus in the final quarter with the duo carving up the goal circle only missing one goal for the term.