WITH the first round of finals done and dusted there were plenty of talking points to come out of the two games. The NSW Swifts’ loss saw them bundled out of the finals while the Melbourne Vixens’ 16-goal victory showcased why they are premiership favourites. A couple of youngsters also stepped up to the plate, not overawed in the slightest by the occasion.

Sunday Aryang was built for the big stage
Coming on after half time, excitement machine Sunday Aryang changed the course of the game for the West Coast Fever. Using every inch of the court to have an impact, the tenacious young defender did not leave anything to chance with her read of the play and long arms causing all sorts of chaos for the Swifts. Aryang injected an element of unpredictability into the Fever’s defensive unit and despite being up against some quality opposition in Helen Housby the youngster took it all in her stride. Her influence was so profound she forced Briony Akle to make changes with Sophie Garbin entering the game in order to throw Aryang off the scent and her ball-winning ways with her more physical style of play. If there was a ball to be won Aryang was there. Her attacking attributes were also on show presenting at the centre pass and helping out in transition. The goal defence ended up with an impressive four intercepts kudos to her nifty footwork and speed off the mark along with four deflections. The most staggering part is that in her half of netball, her direct opponent only managed a mere five goal indicating just how damaging she was.

Allie Smith should not be underestimated
Getting the nod at wing defence with Kate Eddy ruled out with an ankle injury, Allie Smith did not look out of place, taking like a duck to water in the Vixens defensive line and dominating. Playing more of an off-the-body defence Smith was immediately into the action for the Vixens, asserting her dominance and proving that she deserved the start. Her long arms and impressive court coverage worked seamlessly with Emily Mannix and Jo Weston as the trio mounted a wealth of pressure on the Lightning’s frontend. Smith all but nullified the influence of Laura Scherian with the wing attack unable to find her usual space and forced into a number of unforced errors credit to the pressure stemming from Smith. The wing defender’s movement through the centre was crucial to the Vixens driving the ball into attack and unleashing long bombs into Mwai Kumwenda, such was her confidence and accuracy with ball in hand.

NSW Swifts lacked potency and drive
Despite making the top four it has been somewhat of an inconsistent season for the reigning premiers who bowed out of finals at the hands of the Fever on the weekend. Holding the ascendancy early the Swifts seemed to run out of oomph and lacked an element of potency in the attacking third. The injection of speed from Tayla Fraser seemed to be exactly what the Swifts needed to get things flowing and keep the likes of Aryang and Courtney Bruce guessing however it was only short lived as Akle made changes through the midcourt. Maddy Proud was a strong option while Paige Hadley also presented well but seemed to get dominated for the most part in the second half by the likes of Jess Anstiss and Stacey Francis who are renowned for their physicality and defensive attributes. Anstiss and Francis clogged up space in the Swifts attack as the reigning premiers struggled to punch through and hit circle edge with the movement almost looking laboured.

Sunshine Coast Lightning do not have a plan B
It was a comprehensive win by the Melbourne Vixens, however the main take away from the major semi-final was the fact the Lightning have no plan B or alternative options when things go pear-shaped. A formidable force with their ability to fly down court and score with great ease, Sunshine Coast simply had no answers for the Vixens, outclassed in all areas across the court. Their big name players struggled to fire and due to their heavy reliance on the like of Karla Pretorius to do the unthinkable and Steph Wood to shoot the super shots the Lightning failed to compete. Pretorius did not have her usual impact and while Phumza Maweni was strong, she drew a wealth of attention from the umpire and did not really have any other options to look for on the bench that could change up the game. Peace Proscovia has proven to be an impact player under the post for the Lightning but only offers a holding shooter role. The Vixens were quick onto the fact the super shot responsibility would fall onto Wood, meaning they doubled back on her halting the Lightning’s movement and limiting their bag of tricks.

It is the Melbourne Vixens’ premiership to lose
The Melbourne Vixens are minor premiers for a reason and it showed in their clash against the Lightning, well and truly dominating the two-time premiers. Previously criticised for a lack of versatility, the Vixens proved they have a wealth of players that can stand up to the challenge with Smith plying her trade in wing defence and Elle McDonald making a strong cameo appearance showing they can throw the bibs around. Kumwenda is undoubtedly in career best form while the outgoing Caitlin Thwaites showcased her impressive timing, workrate and accuracy out in goal attack. The return of Liz Watson bolstered the Vixens frontend with the clinical wing attack making it look easy. Defensively, Weston and Mannix made life hard, giving up very little space, creating turnovers and staying away from the whistle to build pressure and put the Vixens on the front foot heading into the grand final as the team to beat.