ROUND 3 played host to the first midweek games in Suncorp Super Netball history and once again saw some phenomenal matchups across all four games with some highly talented players taking 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.

GIANTS Netball (75) defeated West Coast Fever (68)

In her 200^th national league game GIANTS goal shooter and Australian Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett relished the extra court time, dominating at the post for a full 60 minutes. Inconsistent in the opening two rounds the towering shooter hit her stride against the Fever making the most of her experience and extra height to capitalise against much younger opponents in Sunday Aryang and Olivia Lewis. However it was the second quarter performance from Bassett and Jo Harten that ultimately set the tone for the rest of the game as the duo toiled away under the post to not only cut down the deficit but steal the lead. Bassett nailed 12 goals form 15 attempts while Harten delivered both from under the post and distance sinking three super shots and four ordinary goals to sit at 100 per cent for the quarter. Their shooter to shooter interplay kept the defenders guessing as Kiera Austin plied her trade out in wing attack to keep the Bassett and Harten connection uninterrupted.

Queensland Firebirds (54) defeated by Collingwood Magpies (58)

Staring down the face of a five goal deficit at half time the Magpies came out new and improved in the third term to completely shift the momentum into their favour. While the Firebirds got off to a steady start, adding to their lead it with the seven goal scoring spree that saw Collingwood fight back and draw level. Increased ball speed in attack thanks to Madi Browne and Molly Jovic dancing around circled edge and the injection of sharp shooter Nyah Allen seemed to provide the spark the Pies needed to get the cogs ticking over. Allen came on with a hot hand slotting three goals straight in that seven goal passage of play while a couple of inspired Geva Mentor intercepts sent the ball streaming into attack with Shimona Nelson lifting her intensity, rhythm to post and take advantage of her aerial strength. Although Collingwood went into the final change down by two goals they found that mojo throughout the third quarter and carried that hunger into the final term.

NSW Swifts (66) defeated Adelaide Thunderbirds (51)

The Swifts led from start to finish but it was the final five minutes of the first quarter that allowed them to stamp their authority on the match. Coming off a strong performance last round the Adelaide Thunderbirds contested in the opening stages of the game but it was the class and silky transition down court from the Swifts that caught the T’birds off guard. Helen Housby found her rhythm early, receiving just about every second pass working in tandem with Natalie Haythornthwaite as Sam Wallace displayed her strength to score quickly. Piling on five consecutive goals the Swifts opened up a hefty buffer and did not look back as Shamera Sterling, Kate Shimmin and Shadine van der Merwe were out of answers, unable to combat the persistent attacking forays.

Melbourne Vixens (63) defeated Sunshine Coast Lightning (51)

Already holding a decent lead the Melbourne Vixens went on a tear in the second quarter, completely and utterly dominating Sunshine Coast in every facet of the game. They not only showcased their prowess in attack but so too in defence shutting down Cara Koenen, Steph Wood and Peace Proscovia as the normally reliable trio only managed a mere eight goals at 58 per cent. Emily Mannix inflicted a wealth of pain with her pressure and skill to pick up an impressive three intercepts for the term and force uncharacteristic errors from the Lightning. Humming in defence the Vixens did not skip a beat in the goal circle with Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip delivering 18 goals but it was the influence of centurion Kate Moloney that really stood head and shoulders above the rest with the centre doing a wealth of work across the court with her gut running. The dominant quarter allowed the Vixens to take plenty of momentum heading into the second half and ultimately set up the win.