WITH a spot in the grand final up for grabs, both the Sunshine Coast Lightning and NSW Swifts will be vying to stake their claim and secure the win. In their past two encounters the Lightning have run out victors, albeit by two goals, showing their ability to prevail in tight contests while the Swifts will be wanting to turn the tables and notch up their first win against the reigning premiers this year. Both sides stack up relatively evenly but the major discrepancy lies in the penalties with the Swifts racking up a whopping 149 more than their counterpart. Given the Lightning’s ability to capitalise under the post, NSW will want to address the issue quick-smart.

In recent weeks the Swifts have been forced into uncharacteristic errors and stripped of their normal ball movement but will be wanting to rectify that against the Sunshine Coast. Helen Housby is still returning from injury but if she can inject herself into the game early it will go a long way in helping to set up the swifts, who value her drive and accuracy in the goal circle. Her connection with Sam Wallace is crucial in the attacking third with the two combining seamlessly to sight one another on the drive or hold and deliver the ball. Defensively the Swifts have a plethora of options with Katrina Rore, Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner all viable options inside and outside of the circle. Rore oozes class and skill with ball in hand and has slotted in effortlessly since her call-up while Klau has gone from strength to strength throughout the season and will be hoping to replicate her hot form against the Lightning.

The Lightning have shown time and time again that they can do just about anything and with a home crowd behind them off the back of the minor premiership, they will be wanting to capitalise on their chances. The Sunshine Coast’s defence can win a game off their own back with both Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni no slouches, continuously picking off passes and wreaking havoc regardless of their opponents. Pretorius has been in hot form with her go-go gadget arms and speed across the court to force turnovers, while on her day Maweni can pose an equally as dominant threat for the Swifts shooters. Cara Koenen has come into her own this season, giving the Lightning another option in the goal circle to pair with Peace Proscovia and Steph Wood. Through the midcourt Laura Langman could prove to be a real playmaker with her endurance, drive and general netball smarts to outplay and outposition her opponents.

Although the Swifts have been a bit shaky in the past couple of weeks expect them to come out firing and with real intent. Both teams play a hard and fast style making for a tight contest and with plenty on the line they will be wanting to ensure that they make the most of their opportunities.