SUNCORP Super Netball returns this weekend after a mid-season hiatus due to the World Cup in England and with finals approaching all eight teams will be wanting to put their best foot forward and impose themselves on the contest. There will be plenty of players with tired bodies given the World Cup while others will be fresh off the break and looking to make the most of the following rounds.

QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS v. SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING

Coming off her first gold medal victory as coach Noeline Taurua will be wanting to guide Sunshine Coast Lightning to a third straight premiership, but the Queensland Firebirds will be standing in their way hoping to claim that elusive first win of the season and finish the year on a high. The Lightning have proved that they are the team to beat once again this year given their composure with ball in hand and star players across the court. However, if there was any time for the Firebirds to capitalise it is now, facing an opponent with five of their starting seven all coming off extensive workloads in the World Cup. Queensland have shown glimpses of brilliance throughout the season credit to their defensive pressure with Tara Hinchliffe and Kim Jenner causing havoc with their timely tips and quick feet. Although their tenacity and hunt is unquestionable their inexperience and ill-discipline has drawn the attention of the umpires racking up their fair share of penalties. On the other hand, Lightning’s defence oozes class and skill with the partnership between Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni growing with confidence, picking off errant passes. The Firebirds have a plethora of options in the goal circle, however all three goalers Gretel Tippett, Romelda Aiken and Lenize Potgieter are likely to be managed given their return from World Cup duties. Tippett has been in career best form while Potgieter has showcased her class and skill under the post with her accuracy and high volume of shots making for an interesting contest to kick start the Round 10 action.

WEST COAST FEVER v. NSW SWIFTS

The NSW Swifts will be searching for their seventh win of the season to reclaim their dominance over the competition. They currently sit atop the ladder given their hot start to the year, winning plenty of bonus points and leaving teams shellshocked while their opponents are unlikely to make finals, only managing two wins and three draws for the season prior to the break. However, West Coast have the star power to cause real trouble for the opposition given the speed in which they can score. The Swifts took the competition by storm using their slick ball movement to transition down the court with precision and composure making them hard to stop. With five players returning from the World Cup the Swifts may have plenty of tired bodies but will be relying on their clever structures and ability to capitalise on turnovers to make the most of their opportunities and post a handy total. The Swifts have no shortage of shooting power with Sam Wallace and Helen Housby able to turn and shoot, with a connection that has steadily grown throughout the season while youngster Sophie Garbin has shown that she can make an immediate impact with her strong holds, accuracy to post and general netball smarts to create space in the goal circle. Defensively, both goal keepers Sarah Klau and Courtney Bruce will want to assert themselves on the match and showcase their skill to regain possession for their respective sides. For the Swifts, the defensive combination of Klau, and Maddy Turner will have to work together to nullify the influence of Jhaniele Fowler under the post and stop Verity Charles from getting to circle edge, while the addition of New Zealander, Kayla Cullen will be a massive boost for the already strong Swifts.

COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES v. GWS GIANTS

In a ladder defining battle the Magpies will be hoping to solidify their spot in the top four and keep the GIANTS at bay with an all important win. Both sides have a couple of players returning from international commitments with the goal circle for both sides hit the hardest. GIANTS shooters Caitlin Bassett and Jo Harten both played in the World Cup for their respective countries while Collingwood defenders April Brandley and Geva Mentor also made the journey over to England. The Magpies do not have a great track record against the GIANTS, losing their past five encounters with the most recent an eight goal deficit to grant the GIANTS their first win of the season. They match up relatively well across the court, meaning that the battle will be intense with both sides renowned for their ability to grind out games. Given Collingwood’s tiring defence, youngster Matilda Garrett could be the key in cracking the GIANTS attack end with her speed and good timing to get hands to ball. Meanwhile the work of Ash Brazill out the front could cause plenty of headaches for the GIANTS given her athleticism and strong attacking drive through the midcourt, creating an exciting battle against veteran Kim Green who can slice through the defence with her precision passing and impeccable timing. Collingwood have had an up and down season and will want to prove that they are the real deal heading into the home stretch of the year.

MELBOURNE VIXENS v. ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS

In the second match of the double header at Melbourne Arena, Adelaide will be hoping to create an upset against the home side. The Melbourne Vixens well and truly have the wood over the Thunderbirds winning their past five matches with convincing performances. The Thunderbirds have been dealt a couple of cruel injury blows with defender Layla Guscoth out for the remainder of the season with an Achilles injury and fellow defender Shamera Sterling twinging her ankle during the World Cup. Given the ailing defensive end, Kate Shimmin could be the one the Thunderbirds look toward to provide that pressure and experience while her aerial ability will be a great asset for Adelaide. With a World Cup gold medal under her belt, Maria Folau could prove to be a handful for the likes of Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Jo Weston and Emily Mannix given her hot form and shooting range from anywhere in the circle. But with a strong hold in third place on the ladder the Vixens will be hoping to put out a dominant performance and build some strong form heading into the final leg of the season. Liz Watson has gone from strength to strength with the talented centre court player using her netball nous, clean hands and impressive vision to slice through opposition defence but coming off a big work load at the World Cup the Vixens may look to Lara Dunkley to provide some respite. Meanwhile, goaling favourite Tegan Philip will take the court for the 112th time to become the most capped Vixens player, ahead of current record-holder and netball great, Bianca Chatfield.