IN the penultimate round of the home and away season, there is plenty to play for in hope to secure prime position on the ladder. Both the Magpies and GIANTS are vying for fourth spot on the ladder, while the tussle for the top of the table will continue with the Lightning and Swifts hoping to claim a home final.

Collingwood Magpies v. NSW Swifts

After snatching victory last round, the Magpies will be wanting to continue that form but will be up against it with the Swifts in hot form. NSW have gone from strength to strength throughout the season claiming a 16-goal victory last time the two sides met. Although they could be without play maker and general in attack Helen Housby, the Swifts have proven they have what it takes to push through without her thanks to Sophie Garbin and Sam Wallace under the post. Katrina Rore has been a welcomed addition to the side working well in tandem with Maddy Turner and Sarah Klau meaning the Collingwood goal circle will be under extreme pressure. Veteran Nat Medhurst displayed her class and experience last round and will be wanting to bring that form into this match-up if the Magpies are any chance to make finals. Defensively the Magpies will be hoping that powerhouse Geva Mentor can win back plenty of ball and cause confusion in the goal circle. This is a do-or-die game for Collingwood who only sit outside of the top four by one point meaning they will not want to leave any stone unturned in hope to claim not only the win but as many bonus points as possible.

Adelaide Thunderbirds v. GIANTS Netball

The Adelaide Thunderbirds will be riding high after a convincing win against the Firebirds last week. T’birds have showcased that they have the skill and structures to take it to the best teams throughout the course of the season and will want to replicate that form against the GIANTS who have struggled in the attacking third as of late. In their last encounter, the GIANTS got over the top of the Thunderbirds with a convincing 11-goal margin but Adelaide have come a long way since then with both Maria Folau and Sasha Glasgow proving a deadly combo in the goal circle while Hannah Petty and Chelsea Pitman impressed finding circle edge last round. For the GIANTS both Jo Harten and Caitlin Bassett have been unable to find that strong connection in the goal circle making for an intriguing contest given Shamera Sterling’s physical presence and ability to win ball back. Kiera Austin has proven to be a handy player for GIANTS, making an immediate impact when brought on, while youngster Amy Parmenter has stood up when needed throughout the season. With a finals spot on the line the GIANTS will want to iron out all of their issues and edge themselves one spot closer to cementing a top four position.

Melbourne Vixens v. Sunshine Coast Lightning

In a ladder defining clash of second verses third, the Melbourne Vixens will be hoping to get back on the winner’s list after a disappointing loss to the Swifts last round. On the other hand, the Sunshine Coast Lightning will be looking to keep their momentum rolling with their seventh straight win – but comiong into this match knowing the Vixens won the battle last time they met in Round 6. The Lightning have been flying as of late with their connections down court strong while the defensive unit of Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni could cause real headaches for the Vixens attack end. Melbourne have no shortage of options in the goal circle with Caitlin Thwaites, Mwai Kumwenda and Tegan Philip all viable options under the post given their accuracy, volume and silky movement, and with ladder positions ever-changing they will want to put out a four quarter performance. This will be the last confirmed time veteran Renae Ingles will run out onto the home court after announcing her retirement from netball at the end of the season, meaning there will be plenty of emotion in the game for the Vixens. Last time they met the Vixens ran away with a 10-goal victory and will be hoping to replicate that form, while the Lightning have plenty more firepower to offer given they have a wider range in attack with Cara Koenen stamping her authority on the game along with Steph Wood and Peace Proscovia both deadly under the post.

West Coast Fever v. Queensland Firebirds

Although neither side can make finals, the Queensland Firebirds will be hoping to gain back a little bit of respectability and claim their first win of the season. The Firebirds have been good in patches winning 15 bonus points but have simply been unable to run out a full four quarter performance. Neither side could be separated in Round 6 with 62 goals apiece however the Firebirds were without Jamaican shooter Romelda Aiken and Abigail Latu-Meafou taking the court as a temporary replacement player. But with Aiken back from injury her connection with Gretel Tippett could be hard to stop for the Fever who have toyed with the defensive unit over the past couple of rounds with Courtney Bruce, Shannon Eagland, Stacey Francis and Olivia Lewis all getting a run. Jhaniele Fowler has been a lynchpin for the Fever in the goal circle meaning Queensland defenders Tara Hinchliffe, Kim Jenner and Laura Clemesha will have their hands full to stop ball from going in. It will be an interesting match-up through the midcourt with Ingrid Colyer and Verity Charles set to come up against Gabi Simpson who has been in red hot form while both Jemma Mi Mi and Caitlyn Nevins have been hot and cold throughout the season.