AS the old saying goes, time flies when you are having fun, and it has already hit the halfway mark of the 2022 Suncorp Super Netball season. There are four more exciting matches coming up this weekend, including the first Victorian Derby of the season.

Queensland Firebirds vs NSW Swifts
Saturday at 5pm
Nissan Arena

After both suffering frustrating losses last round, both the Firebirds and Swifts will be keen to get back on the winners list this weekend.

For the Firebirds, the midcourt were at times kept quiet, so getting on top in that will help a lot. They will also need to keep Maddy Proud quiet, who had a brilliant game last weekend despite the Swifts going down.

For the Swifts, they need to be less wasteful in their passing in their forward end, which is what really let them down last week against the Lightning. They will also need to be mindful of the capabilities of the Firebirds’ shooters. Despite going quiet at times last week, they can be dangerous.

Adelaide Thunderbirds vs West Coast Fever
Saturday at 7pm
Netball SA Stadium

Both of these sides are coming off particularly frustrating losses, so will be especially keen to get back on the winners list. The Thunderbirds pushed the Vixens for much of the match last week, but things just fell apart for them in the final power five period.

They do come up against a very strong Fever line up though, who will be annoyed at last week’s loss and keen to avenge it. They were really missing Jessica Anstiss and Sasha Glasgow last week, who both should be back this week and will be huge inclusions.   

Sunshine Coast Lightning vs GIANTS Netball
Sunday at 2pm
USC Stadium

Unlike the previous two matches, both of these sides have come off potentially season defining wins, and will be keen to maintain that momentum. The Sunshine Coast Lightning are on a two-match winning streak, and looking in good form.

They come up against a GIANTS side who took advantage of a weakened Fever side last week and won their third game of the season.

It has the potential to be a crucial, season defining match. Both sides are currently sitting on three wins, and occupy one place either side of the top four border. Win this one and staying in touch with the top four is that little bit easier.

Melbourne Vixens vs Collingwood Magpies
Sunday at 4pm
John Cain Arena

The Melbourne/Victorian Derby always brings heat and spiciness, and fans can expect nothing less this coming weekend. Then the events of the last week are going to add extra spice to an already spicy clash.

Last weekend the Magpies had a confidence boosting win over the Queensland Firebirds, while the Vixens had a tough win over Adelaide.

The Vixens have also not looked as dominant in the past few weeks as they did early in the season, so the Magpies may sniff a chance here. The Vixens will lose Kate Eddy and Hannah Mundy this week due to the Health and Safety Protocols, but should get Kate Moloney back this week, which will be a huge inclusion.

Regardless, expect a tighter clash than the ladder positions of the respective sides might otherwise suggest.