Event Details
Saturday 01 August, 2020
1:00pm WST
Nissan Arena
Broadcast Details
Channel 9 and Telstra TV
Most Recent Meetings
Round 8 2019: West Coast Fever defeated Adelaide Thunderbirds 53-52 at RAC Arena
Round 1 2019: Adelaide Thunderbirds defeated West Coast Fever 61-60 at Priceline Stadium
Round 8 2018: West Coast Fever defeated Adelaide Thunderbirds 76-56 at Perth Arena
The Situation
West Coast Fever and Adelaide Thunderbirds had two close games last season, finishing one-goal apart with each team taking home a win. Fever has kept the same ten for their side however the Thunderbirds have had some movement within their team losing Maria Folau from the goal circle and Cody Lange from the midcourt.
This season will be hard to predict with the implementation of the two-point super shot and rolling substitution rules, the removal of the bonus point, the condensed season format and the extra-long pre-season, but Fever are set to make an impact.
Key Match Ups
Goal Shooter v Goal Keeper
Jhaniele Fowler v Shamera Sterling
Back to back Suncorp Super Netball MVP, Fowler reinforced her place as the league’s best Goal Shooter in 2019 with 659 goals. Fowler and Sterling are no strangers, playing alongside each other at an international level for the Jamaican team, the Sunshine Girls. Sterling ended her debut season at the top of the leader board in Nissan Netpoints for defensive rebounds, deflections and intercepts landing her the title of Defensive Reserve in the 2019 Team of the Year. Both players will be stepping out strong to defend their 2019 titles.
Wing Defence v Wing Attack
Jess Anstiss v Chelsea Pitman
Cementing herself as one of the best wing defences in the league, Anstiss has a strong one-on-one defensive style. The agile midcourter will be setting herself up for a tough battle against Pitman who brings experience and passion to the Adelaide Thunderbirds line-up.
Goal Keeper v Goal Shooter
Courtney Bruce v Lenize Potgieter
New addition Potgieter is said to add a tower of strength to the Adelaide Thunderbirds shooting end this season, bringing variety to the game with her creative flair and strong rebounding skills. Potgieter has played three seasons in the New Zealand national competition, finishing as the second highest goal scorer with 506 goals.
Both players have experience on the international stage with Potgieter and Bruce playing in the 2019 Netball World Cup, representing South Africa and Australia respectively adding a wealth of experience to both sides.
This match-up is one to watch out for with Bruce determined to establish herself as the best defender in the league and Potgieter to make her mark on the Suncorp Super Netball competition.
