West Coast Fever v Collingwood Magpies
Monday, 6.18pm
RAC Arena
Telstra TV
#FEVvMAG
Most recent meetings
Round five: West Coast Fever defeated Collingwood Magpies 63-61
Round nine 2018: West Coast Fever defeated Collingwood Magpies 70-57
Round two 2018: West Coast Fever defeated Collingwood Magpies 68-57
The Situation
The Magpies come to Perth after recording a draw with the Adelaide Thunderbirds last round, while Fever went down to the Melbourne Vixens by 12 goals on the road. Collingwood are within four points of the top four, while Fever will be desperate to keep slim finals hopes alive with a third win of the season. There is always plenty of spice between these teams, given the number of players who have worn both colours in their careers and Monday night will be no exception.
Key Match Ups
Goal Shooter v Goal Keeper
Jhaniele Fowler v Geva Mentor
This remains as enticing a heavyweight battle as you get in Suncorp Super Netball. Fowler is again top of the standings for goals scored with 547, while Geva Mentor boasts 34 intercepts for 2019, including six in last weekend’s draw with Adelaide. Fowler’s ability to get the better of Mentor will be a central to Fever’s hopes of victory.
Midcourt
Jess Anstiss v Kelsey Browne
Like all internationals, Browne has had a heavy schedule in 2019 but remains one of the most dynamic Wing Attacks in the game. Browne will have fond memories of RAC Arena, where she celebrated a premiership with Sunshine Coast Lightning in 2018. Anstiss lined up on Browne in last year’s grand final, as well as plenty of battles at Australian camp, and will be keen to shut down Browne’s deft feeding into the Magpies’ goal circle.
Goal Keeper v Goal Shooter
Courtney Bruce v Shimona Nelson
Nelson managed 44 goals, while Bruce had eight gains when Fever and the Magpies met in round five, with the Fever skipper playing her first match after sustaining an elbow injury in round one. Nelson is second to Fowler on the goal standings, despite a knee injury troubling her earlier in the season. Bruce has built her fitness since that last encounter and will be keen to lead her side to victory in front of their passionate home crowd.
