Queensland Firebirds v Collingwood Magpies

The first draw of the season saw the Firebirds and Magpies go down to the wire with a 57-all tie.

It was goal-for-goal for most of the first quarter with both teams showing some exciting signs right across the court but the home sides defensive line-up in Tara Hinhcliffe and Kim Jenner started the match incredibly strong yet again.

Romelda Aiken was out on the Queensland State Netball Centre with a point to prove after being benched in the final quarter of their season opener last week.

Nat Medhurst was removed from the court early after sustaining a cut lip in a clash with Jenner and had to receive stitches but wouldn't return until the second quarter.

While Kelsey Browne provided speed and agility down the Magpies midcourt, the team made some costly mistakes towards the half-time break and couldn’t quite finish in their attack end as the Firebirds defensive pressure continued. 

The Firebirds headed into the major break with a 32 to 24 but momentum shifted in the third quarter and the Magpies came out firing.

They scored four consecutive goals in three minutes but the home side maintained composure.

Shimona Nelson ignited and showed why she’s one of the most up-and-coming goal shooters in the world while Mentor and April Brandley played a physical defensive game on the Firebirds shooters.

The stage was set for a fourth-quarter showdown with the Magpies trailing by a goal.

They took the lead within five minutes and it was hard-fought and physical play by both teams all over the court, going goal-for-goal yet again.

Both teams were scrambling over every loose ball and it was a matter who was going to be leading when the siren went.

West Coast Fever v Sunshine Coast Lightning

The 2018 Grand Final re-match saw the Lightning send a message to the rest of the league, after beating Fever 80-55 on Sunday afternoon.

It was a perfect day for Lightning, who broke their single-game goal scoring record and secured all bonus points on offer.

It wasn't a great outing from Fever who were wasteful early, turning the ball over in transition far too often and making bad decisions around the goal circle.

Lightning goal shooter Peace Proscovia was unstoppable against the Courtney Bruce-less Fever defence, scoring 48-goals in just three quarters.

By halftime, the visiting side were 18-goals up. 

It was a similar story for much of the second half, as the Lightning tore the Fever apart in all phases of the game.

Fever struggled to slow down the Lightning, as Laura Scherian, Maddy McAuliffe and Laura Langman punished the West Coast with their blistering speed, long passes and physicality.

Jhaniele Fowler was the standout player in a disappointing game for the Fever with another 51-goal performance but the route to the goal circle has became quite predictable with the Jamiacian carrying the side.

NSW Swifts v Adelaide Thunderbirds

The Swifts remain undefeated in 2019 after beating the Thunderbirds 61 to 43 and claiming all Super Netball Premiership points.

It was clear from the outset that both teams were keen to continue their winning momentum from Round 1.

The game went goal-for-goal for much of the first quarter, with goalers Helen Housby, Sam Wallace, Sasha Glasgow and Maria Folau all showing off their accurate shooting skills early.

Starting the match in centre, Paige Hadley showed why she’s recently been given a call up to the Diamonds, applying strong defensive pressure and feeding well up the Swifts’ attack end.

It promoted, the Thunderbirds to shuffle their entire court structure during a timeout half-way through the second quarter, leaving only Chelsea Pitman in her original starting position but the change rattled some players.

Meanwhile, Swifts’ goal shooter Sam Wallace continued her impressive accuracy, shooting at 100 per cent for the entire match.

The Thunderbirds then came out firing in the third quarter, scoring six to the Swifts’ three goals in the first five minutes but couldn’t quite hold on to the momentum.

The difference between the two sides was in the defence. Not that the Thunderbirds were poor but players like Shamera Sterling just didn't have the same impact they did last week while Swifts duo Sarah Klau and Maddy Turne were dominant.

The Swifts didn't take their foot off the accelerator and were able to get all 10 athletes on the court.

Melbourne Vixens v Giants Netball

The Vixens have continued their red hot start to the 2019 season, beating Giants Netball 61-45.

Led by their inspirational captain, and eventual Player of the Match, Kate Moloney, the Vixens dominated all areas of the court for much of the game. However, for the Giants, it wasn't the result they were looking for in captain Kim Green’s 200th national league game. 

Like most games this round, both teams went goal-for-goal early on but it came down to the defensive efforts of one side.  

Australian netball fans will be happy with what they saw from Caitlin Bassett, who finished the game with 35 from 39 shooting.

The Vixens took a handy six goal lead into the second quarter, but the Giants immediately started eating into the deficit thanks to some stifling defence and brilliant play from their super talented midcourt.

There was a bit of worry when Green went to the rooms with a suspected rib injury but she returned after halftime and played out the rest of the game.

The Vixens managed to slow the game down and composed themselves, stretching their lead to nine goals going into halftime.

The Giants kept fighting to narrow the gap, however, the experienced from attacking duo Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip proved too much to contain.

With the lead in double digits, it was a battle for the final bonus point in the last quarter, a battle which the home team won by two goals.