IT was a big first week of Suncorp Super Netball finals that 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 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.

Melbourne Vixens (63) defeated Sunshine Coast Lightning (47)

A blistering second quarter all but set the Vixens up for the win, and subsequent chance at their first SSN grand final. The defensive unit of Emily Mannix, Jo Weston and youngster Allie Smith – who got the nod at wing defence thanks to Kate Eddy being sidelined with injury – all fired up early. Their collective ability to win ball back but also put in the hard yards to stop the easy drives in the attacking third for the Lightning gave them plenty of opportunities to mount pressure and nullify their opponents. Player of the match, Mannix starred in the second quarter picking up a deflection that resulted in a gain along with an intercept. Her quick footwork and high netball IQ ultimately forced a change in the goal shooter position with Peace Proscovia coming on for Cara Koenen, such was her influence, while out the front Wood struggled to find the ball credit to Weston’s smothering defence and physicality. The defensive pressure stemming from Kate Moloney and Elle McDonald while on court was immense, keeping Laura Langman off circle edge and holding up the normal pace the Lightning attack end oozes. The Vixens kept Sunshine Coast to a mere seven goals for the term while piling on 16 goals of their own, credit to to the dominance of Mwai Kumwenda and the retiring Caitlin Thwaites.

West Coast Fever (67) defeated NSW Swifts (62)

Staring down the barrel of a nine goal deficit the Fever rallied in the last five minutes of the third term to completely stop the Swifts in their tracks and reclaim some much needed ascendancy. The attacking unit came to life as Jhaniele Fowler put on a dominant shooting display slotting eight of her sides 10 goals in the dying minutes of the quarter. Her accuracy did not waiver throughout the term sitting at 100 per cent showcasing her strength and accuracy to post. Alice Teague-Neeld also came to life, finding her range and making the most of the super shot nailing two of them to keep her side not only in the hunt but draw level at the main break. After struggling to find their mojo across the court, all the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place for the Fever as Sunday Aryang announced herself, taking a couple of key intercepts and Verity Charles motored in wing attack. Having played in centre and well covered by Paige Hadley, Charles relished the reduced space, able to hone her craft around circle edge and deliver the ball on a silver platter to Fowler with the likes of Sarah Klau, Maddy Turner and Sophie Craig unable to stop her hot hand.