West Coast Fever Captain Courtney Bruce says four quarters of consistent netball is the key to beating upcoming rivals the Queensland Firebirds and Giants Netball to roll into season 2020.
Fever went down to the Collingwood Magpies by six goals in a Monday night showdown at RAC Arena, with Fever displaying promising signs in the first half before slipping in the third quarter.
“There were times where attack was on fire and the defence was winning enough ball, but for the next two weeks we want four-quarter consistent performances.”
“I’m really proud of our first half effort, but Magpies came out firing in the third quarter and put us on the back foot,” Bruce said.
Bruce produced a string of stunning rebounds and had six gains, the highest on court. But Bruce said she was more focussed on team gains.
“As a team, we want to start building towards next year and get in a good position, but as I said, it’s about getting both ends firing.”
Bruce credits Fever Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich for the growth of players within the team.
“We’ve been able to put a lot of players out there and show our versatility. We’ve been able to get Olivia (Lewis) out there, push me out, with Shannon (Eagland) and Stacey (Francis) switching between the positions.”
Bruce is also particularly proud of emerging goal attacks Kaylia Stanton and Alice Teague-Neeld.
“The growth of Kaylia and Alice over the season has been phenomenal from where they were as young goal attacks to where they are now is fantastic,” said Bruce.
“Alice is such a natural mover and really opens up the attacking end for us. To see where she was from game one to now is just amazing. She’s put a lot of hard work in and to see her really shining makes me so happy.”
Catch Courtney and the rest of the Fever team when they take on Firebirds on Sunday at RAC Arena.
