Event Details
Time: Tuesday 27 July, 4.30pm WST
Location: Nissan Arena, Brisbane
Broadcast: Telstra TV & Netball Live App
Most Recent Meetings
Round 7, 2021: Fever defeated Firebirds 79-69
Round 9, 2020: Fever defeated Firebirds 71-60
Round 6, 2020: Firebirds defeated Fever 68-57
The Situation
West Coast Fever will play Queensland Firebirds in their second game since arriving in Brisbane last week to complete the remainder of the Suncorp Super Netball season.
The fixture is technically a ‘home game’ for the Fever on the Firebirds home court, however after winning by 10 goals at the same venue in Round 7, Fever will approach the game with plenty of confidence.
With Fever currently in fourth place on the ladder and one win ahead of the Firebirds, they will be aiming to create some breathing space and close the gap on the top three.
Firebirds will enter the contest fresh from a 10-goal win over Sunshine Coast Lightning just over a week ago, however, will be missing vice-captain Tara Hinchliffe who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing her ACL at training.
The Firebirds will also be without Goal Attack Tippah Dwan, who is undergoing 14 days of home quarantine after being linked to a Coronavirus exposure site.
Key Match Ups
Courtney Bruce v Romelda Aiken
Fever captain Courtney Bruce has been a barometer for the West Coast Fever this season, leading by example with dashing intercepts, deflecting opposition feeds and setting up Fever’s drive from the defensive end of the court.
She is leading the competition in deflections (73), intercepts (40) and defensive rebounds (21) and has played a key role in Fever’s ability to shut down the opposition attack.
She will be preparing to match up against Firebirds’ shooter Romelda Aiken, who is expected to start this week despite injuring her ankle in the final minutes of last Monday night’s win over the Sunshine Coast Lighting.
Sunday Aryang v Gretel Bueta
Rising star Sunday Aryang has excited Super Netball fans this season with her impressive defensive efforts, speed and agility. She has recorded 36 deflections, 17 intercepts and 10 rebounds after forming a potent defensive combination with captain Courtney Bruce.
She lined up on Firebirds Goal Attack Gretel Bueta in Round 7 and recorded five gains and two intercepts while restricting her opponent to 14 goals. As one of the most exciting scorers in the competition, Bueta will be focussed on exerting her influence on this contest, setting a great challenge for the emerging Aryang in what will be an important match-up for both teams.
Alice Teague-Neeld v Kim Jenner
Teague-Neeld was named as West Coast Fever’s player of the match in their 14-point win over the Melbourne Vixens last week with five goals and 20 assists from 23 feeds.
Her creative play-making and defensive pressure at the attacking end of the court will again be important for Fever.
Firebirds Goal Defence Kim Jenner will be aiming to limit Teague-Neeld’s influence in this contest and will look to use her speed to add to her 15 intercepts and 53 deflections for the season.
Match Program
