Melbourne Vixens v Queensland Firebirds

It was the Vixens who claimed the first victory of the 2019 Suncorp Super Netball season, fighting off a strong start by the Firebirds to win 73 to 61.

The Queensland side had a strong start to the game with the league’s up and coming defenders Tara Hinchliffe and Kim Jenner dominating in defence.

The duo applied tremendous pressure and forced early errors in the Vixens goal ring with the Firebirds quickly capitalising on the mistakes.

While at the other end of the court Gretel Tippett and Romelda Aiken shot 14 from 15.

However, a resurgent Vixens came back with commanding force in the second quarter to break a tight Firebirds' defence. 

Caitlin Thwaites, who was making her return for the Vixens, had her eye in with some accurate shooting a whopping 50 goals at 98 percent, missing just one attempt. 

With momentum swinging their way, the Vixens came back even stronger after halftime stretching out to a 55 to 48 lead.

One of the best plays in the match was an intercept by Emily Mannix, who was named the Player of the Match.

Firebirds captain Gabi Simpson maintained strong defensive pressure throughout the match, making life much easier for her fellow defenders, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to withhold the Vixens.

Collingwood Magpies v Sunshine Coast Lightning

The Magpies have shown why they are favourites for the title after being back-to-back Champions Sunshine Coast Lightning, 57 to 43.

New Magpies recruits Geva Mentor and Kelsey Browne were coming up against their old club for the first time.

It was clear from the outset that Shimona Nelson, who joined Collingwood in the off-season, was going to be a pillar of strength.

While Magpies won the first quarter, the battle in the mid-court between Laura Langman and Kim Ravaillion would eventually see the Magpies take the second but still trail by four at the main break.

Lightning's up-and-comer Cara Koenen looked right at home in the goal circle replacing the departed Caitlin Bassett. She finished with the highest shooting accuracy with 86 per cent.

Inaccuracy cost the Magpies in the third but defenders April Brandley and Mentor ensured the Lightning didn’t capitalise.

Lightning recruit Peace Proscovia was brought on at goal shooter to make her official debut for the club, alongside Jacqui Russell who came on at wing attack. 

Magpies came out firing in the last thanks to a swift moving attack end, running away with the lead and leaving the Lightning looking for answers.

Giants Netball v NSW Swifts

The Swifts have claimed bragging rights over their NSW counterparts defeating 2018 minor premiers Giants Netball for just the second time in their history.

Standout performances from Swifts defenders Maddy Turner and Sarah Klau proved the difference in the 63-56 win.

Last week was the first time that the whole Giants squad was available to train together including for new recruit Caitlin Bassett who was returning from a minor arm fracture.

The Australian Diamonds captain was benched early in the final quarter as the Swifts’ lead swelled to seven goals.

Paige Hadley proved to be the difference feeding a match-high 25 goal assists to Sam Wallace, who had a shooting percentage of 94, and Helen Housby. 

The Swifts were missing injured pair Kate Eddy and English representative Natalie Haythornthwaite from their lineup. However, it didn't seem to faze them as they had the better of the early exchanges, leading by two goals at the first break.

But the Giants hit back early in the second, taking the lead through back-to-back Jo Harten goals and Bassett, who helped herself to 10 goals for the quarter to give them a two-goal lead.

Swifts coach Briony Akle urged her defence end to take risks and that's what Turner and Klau did to help wrestle back the lead and push out in front but they weren't out of the woods with Harten sparking a run of three Bassett goals to end the quarter.

Klau and Turner were on fire again early in the final term, securing back-to-back turnovers to take the lead out to seven, and prompting a major Giants shake-up, with Harten moved to goal shooter and Kiera Austin installed at goal attack.

But with the Swifts continued to control proceedings in their attack end and tick the scoreboard over.

Adelaide Thunderbirds v West Coast Fever

It's been done! After nearly two seasons (27 games) without a win, the Thunderbirds are celebrating once again after a 61-60 win over West Coast Fever. 

The last win for the Adelaide side came in Round 1 of the inaugural Super Netball season against West Coast Fever.

It was a nightmare start and finish to the game for Fever who lost captain Courtney Bruce with a suspected wrist injury early in the game and reigning MVP Jhaniele Fowler with an ankle injury in the final quarter.

Fowler picked up the Player of the Match award with her 100 per cent shooting accuracy (51/51).

Despite a sloppy start to the game, the Thunderbirds looked impressive in the opening quarter, particularly in defence where Layla Guscoth and Shamera Sterling ignited the home crowd.

While the Thunderbirds took the lead going into the second quarter, some desperate play from Fever midcourters Jess Anstiss and Verity Charles slowed down the Adelaide transition while also creating plenty attack of their own, helping them go into the main break with scores tied.

The Fever came out firing in the third quarter, taking the lead thanks to their dead-eye shooter Fowler and some inspirational play by Bruce, who was carrying that injury.

Desperate and within reach of a win, the Thunderbirds never said die and were spurred on by Sterling, a relentless Chelsea Pitman through the midcourt and dynamic play by Glasgow and Folau in the goal circle.


The Fever came into the last quarter holding a three-goal lead but, when Fowler was helped from the court midway through the quarter, the Thunderbirds took their opportunity and held on to win it by just one goal.