Event Details
West Coast Fever v NSW Swifts
Saturday 8 May, 6pm WST
RAC Arena, Perth
Broadcast Details
Telstra TV and Netball Live app
Most Recent Meetings
Semi-Final, 2020: West Coast Fever defeated NSW Swifts 67-62
Round 12, 2020: West Coast Fever defeated NSW Swifts 80-71
Round 2, 2020: West Coast Fever defeated by NSW Swifts 72-73
The Situation
West Coast Fever and the NSW Swifts are both coming off strong opening round wins, with the Fever defeating Melbourne Vixens by 14 goals in the grand final replay last Saturday and Swifts recording a thrilling three-goal win over the Firebirds in extra time.
Fever’s win was the first over the Vixens in Melbourne since 2010, made even more impressive following a week interrupted by a COVID-19 lockdown in Perth.
Coach Stacey Marinkovich paid tribute to her players for their ability to remain focussed on the task against a strong opposition and demonstrating they’d taken steps forward since last season.
Reigning MVP Jhaniele Fowler spearheaded Fever’s win with 55 goals, while Swifts Goal Shooter Sam Wallace scored 49 as her side held off the Firebirds in the first instalment of extra time since it was introduced this season to settle drawn matches.
Key Match Ups
Goal Keeper v Goal Shooter
Courtney Bruce v Sam Wallace
Courtney Bruce set the standard early last week with a deflection on the Vixens’ opening centre pass, helping to set up Jhaniele Fowler’s first of 13 goals in the opening quarter.
She will be instrumental in shutting down the Swifts’ Trinidad and Tobago international Sam Wallace, who shot a perfect game to lead her side to victory over the Firebirds in Round 1 and top the Nissan Net Points rankings.
Centre v Centre
Verity Charles v Maddy Proud
Verity Charles reached a new level in her performance last year and as a result was selected into the Australian Diamonds squad. Last week she delivered 33 feeds and 18 assists directing the play through the mid-court at Centre and then Wing Attack. Maddy Proud had similar returns for the Swifts with 32 feeds and 19 assists against the Firebirds, demonstrating how important both players will be to their team’s fortunes in this contest.
Goal Shooter v Goal Keeper
Jhaniele Fowler v Sarah Klau
Jamaican star Jhaniele Fowler continues to demonstrate why she has won three consecutive Suncorp Super Netball Player of the Year Awards with her stature and presence in the circle. Last week, she shot 55 goals at 92 per cent and is likely to receive extra attention from Sarah Klau and the Swifts defenders. Klau continues to show she can threaten any attacking circle with quick footwork and contest on the ball. The challenge between Jhaniele and Sarah will be one to watch.
Secure your seats and join the Green Army. Tickets available here.
