BOTH the NSW Swifts and Melbourne Vixens will be fighting hard to win their way into the 2019 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final. The Swifts have run out victorious in their past two encounters with the Vixens and will be hoping to keep that hot streak going. Despite struggling with form in the past couple of rounds the Swifts have plenty of experience and class across the court, but will have to combat the belief and connection of the Melbourne Vixens who fired a warning shot last round against the Magpies.

The Swifts are coming off a disappointing loss after being well and truly outplayed by the Sunshine Coast Lightning who reigned supreme in the major semi-final. Renowned for their clever ball movement and ability to treasure possession, the Swifts will be wanting to revert to their old ways if they are any chance to get on top of the Vixens. They have plenty of options in attack with Helen Housby, Sophie Garbin and Sam Wallace all able to make an impact under the post. Although Housby is still returning from injury the goal attack oozes composure and class with ball in hand, not afraid to take the hard drive and think her way through congestion in the circle to offer an option. Garbin has shown that she can stand up on the big stage and handle the workload while also being able to switch between goal attack and goal shooter with ease. Natalie Haythornthwaite has proven to be a key player for the Swifts, with the wing attack shouldering a lot of the load around the circle edge and pairing well with fellow Roses teammate Housby, while Paige Hadley will want to redeem herself after a lacklustre performance last round. Defensively the Swifts have a plethora of options with Katrina Rore able to switch between circle defence and wing defence credit to her skillset and experience. Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner also pose threats in the defensive end with their tenacity, hunt for the ball and ability to win ball back, making them crucial players.

After a stellar performance against the Magpies, the Vixens will be riding high and hope to bring that momentum into this week’s matchup. The reinvigorated side has proven they have the talent and know-how to win, with key players across the court stepping up. The goal circle combination of Tegan Philip and Caitlin Thwaites could create headaches for the Swifts given their ability to thread the needle and find the net with ease. Both Thwaites and Philip can shoot from anywhere in the circle while their movement is second to none. Still recovering from injury, goal shooter Mwai Kumwenda also poses a threat under the post with her aerial ability and silky footwork. The shooters relish the service from Liz Watson and if she can make an impact early, will certainly help to establish a lead for her side given her intent to drive the ball down the court with pace to bypass the defenders. Despite hanging up the dress at the end of the season, veteran Renae Ingles has upped the ante defensively with her hands over pressure and off the body work making her a key cog in the Vixens back end. In the defensive goal circle the Vixens have a few options with Kadie-Ann Dehaney able to come on as an impact player while both Jo Weston and Emily Mannix have shown time and time again that they can get the job done with their strong connection and ability to clog up space.

With both teams relatively even on shooting percentage, rebounds and penalties the game could be won or lost with turnovers and intercepts. The Vixens have a whopping 37 intercepts more than the Swifts highlighting their defensive pressure and ball winning ability. But what the Swifts lack in intercepts they make up for in turnovers with 42 less than their opponents, clearly highlighting their structured game play.