WITH finals spots on the line, Round 12 of Suncorp Super Netball is shaping up to be a huge weekend filled with plenty of intense match-ups and milestones. Nat Medhurst will equal the record of 232 national league games played currently held by Susan Pettitt while Tegan Philip is set to notch up 1000 Super Netball goals.

GIANTS v. Sunshine Coast Lightning

The Lightning have barely put a foot wrong all season and will be hoping to build on their momentum again this round against the GIANTS. The last time these two sides met the Sunshine Coast showcased their netball prowess, exploiting the GIANTS’ attacking end and running out 11 goal victors. The GIANTS’combination in the goal circle has well and truly developed between Jo Harten and Caitlin Bassett with the two proving to be a lethal duo under the post. Kiera Austin has displayed her versatility switching between wing attack and goal attack providing dynamic movement and clever ball placement while Jamie-Lee Price has been crucial through the midcourt for the GIANTS making for an intriguing battle between the two sides. The Lightning will be wanting to stamp their authority on the game and snatch top spot from the NSW Swifts with the likes of Karla Pretorius and Laura Langman steering the ship. There are a plethora of options in attack with Cara Koenen having a breakout few games with her accuracy to post, silky movement and strong holds while both Peace Proscovia and Steph Wood have showcased that they can stand up under pressure and perform.

NSW Swifts v. Melbourne Vixens

The Swifts will be wanting to get back on the winners list after going down by two goals to the Sunshine Coast Lighting last round. Although they were without goal attack and play maker Helen Housby the Swifts showed great intent and drive making for an exciting Round 12 match-up against old foes Melbourne Vixens this round. The Vixens have found good form of late credit to their strong connections down court and explosive speed. Both teams play a very similar game style, treasuring possession and using their ball placement to exploit their opponents making for a close match. Unfortunately, the Swifts have been struck by injury with Kate Eddy and Maddy Proud both set to miss the rest of the season however the inclusion of Katrina Rore has paid dividends with the Silver Fern renowned for her defensive pressure and strong drive through the midcourt. The Vixens are spoilt for choice in attack with Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip both in career best form while Mwai Kumwenda has shown that she can be an impact player on return from an ACL injury suffered in June 2018. Both Thwaites and Philip have been instrumental in the goal circle with the two able to turn and shoot from anywhere. creating a hot contest for Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner.

Queensland Firebirds v. Adelaide Thunderbirds

In a battle of the birds Queensland will be hoping they can register their first win of the season in what is likely their best opportunity to do so. The Firebirds only sit four points behind Adelaide on the ladder despite not having won a game all season, showcasing their ability to score quickly and accurately making them an ominous threat for the Thunderbirds. In their last encounter the Thunderbirds just scraped over the line by three goals, making for a hot contest this round. The connection between Romelda Aiken and Gretel Tippett could cause real headaches given their aerial skill, attacking flair and physicality while Lenize Potgieter is also a deadly option under the post. After a week of heavy umpire scrutiny, youngster Kim Jenner will be hoping to stay away from the whistle while applying her trademark defensive pressure and strong intent. The T’birds will be hoping Shamera Sterling continues her break out season, currently leading all comers in intercepts, deflections and rebounds to nullify the influence of Aiken under the post. Without Layla Guscoth Adelaide have been forced to make changes in the goal defence position with Kate Shimmin and Shadine Van Der Merwe both getting a run, making for an interesting match-up on the in form Tippett. Emma Ryde has been a handy inclusion pairing well with Maria Folau while Sasha Glasgow has showcased her versatility switching between goal attack and shooter.

West Coast Fever v. Collingwood Magpies

After a surprising draw last round the Magpies will be seeking vengeance against West Coast Fever. There will be plenty of feeling involved in the game with Medhurst returning for the first time since her departure at the end of last season and playing in a milestone match for the entire competition. Collingwood have struggled away from home this season but with a potential finals chance on the line they will be wanting to pull out all the stops and keep their dreams alive. Ash Brazill has been a revelation in centre over the past few weeks using her strong drives and aerial ability to spur the Magpies on while Geva Mentor has been a rock down back winning back plenty of ball. For the Fever, bookends Jhaniele Fowler and Courtney Bruce are the real barometers of the side. Fowler has showcased time and time again that she has the skill to score quickly and accurately credit to her strong holds while Alice Teague-Neeld will have to lift her load in the goal circle if the Fever are to get on top of Collingwood. Youngster Beryl Friday provides plenty of excitement and potential for the Fever while Ingrid Colyer and Verity Charles will have their work cut out for them against the likes of Brazill, Kim Ravaillionand Kelsey Browne. After a shaky week under the post Shimona Nelson will want to put the critics to bed and post a hefty total to regain her confidence.