Fever’s 21-week pre-season campaign has been headlined by the Ballarat Blitz, Suncorp Super Netball Team Girls Cup and face off with the Fever Reserves a preparation that was been swept with success.
Both sides are predicted to be contenders this season, with Fever finishing second at the Team Girls Cup and the Swifts doing some relentless recruiting in the pre-season.
The Swifts have acquired New Zealand Silver Fern superstar Grace Nweke at goal shooter, Fever premiership player Verity Simmons and former Vixen Sharni Lambden in the mid-court.
Last time they met, Fever downed the Swifts by five goals at the Team Girls Cup in a brilliant defensive performance. Olivia Wilkinson came home with 26 goals and Fever held Helen Housby to 13 and three super shots.
In 2024, Fever won both outings. Their last regular season clash was at RAC Arena in front of a record 11,267 fans who witnessed a seven-goal Fever win.
Head-to-Head
Recognised as the biggest move of the season, the Swifts will undoubtedly be looking to utilise new shooter Nweke in the circle. Nweke is known for her accuracy and under the post shooting style, which will mean Fever defender Kadie-Ann Dehaney will be focused on pressurising her from the first centre pass.
In a twist of fate, old teammates will turn rivals as Simmons runs out for the first time at her old stomping ground against Fever captain Jess Anstiss. With years of experience as teammates, both athletes will be looking to out-run and out-work the opposing in the centre bib.
Wilkinson will be looking to continue her impressive performance from the Team Girls Cup into Round One against Swift Goal Keeper Sarah Klau. Wilkinson will utilise her experience in the Goal Attack bib with her pre-season focus as a Goal Shooter to be a dynamic force in the circle.
Key details
West Coast Fever v NSW Swifts
2pm AWST Sunday, 6 April
RAC Arena
Buy tickets here.
