Round 7 Match Preview

Hayley Hamp

After losing to top of the ladder, NSW Swifts, we’re back in Melbourne for our first derby of 2019 and will be seeking out our first win against the Vixens in Suncorp Super Netball. Round 8 in 2018 was the last time we met, which saw us fall eight goals short of the win.

The Vixens had a strong win against Sunshine Coast Lightning in round 6, and are looking to move to top of the ladder, so we can expect them to bring their best game. Our round 6 loss saw us pushed out of the top 4, so a win for us is crucial.

Kelsey Browne will be stepping on court for her 50^th national league game, and after being selected to represent Australia at the upcoming World Cup, is keen to get the win.

Key match ups:

• Geva Mentor v Caitlin Thwaites: both experienced national and international players, this match up is one to watch. Geva has 3cm over Caitlin, so we can expect her to take some game changing intercepts and rebounds, however Caitlin’s accuracy over the past few rounds has been consistently impressive so Geva will need to work hard to keep the ball away from Caitlin in the circle.
• Ash Brazill v Liz Waston: two of the most athletic names in the league likely to be matched up on Monday. Both have impressed in the first 6 rounds, with Liz Watson being rewarded with a spot in the Aussie Diamonds squad. Ash will need to use her AFLW skills and speed to stay one step ahead of Liz for all four quarters.
• Nat Medhurst v Jo Weston: Nat is one of our most strategic players, coming up against current Diamonds defender Jo, she will need to be passing with 100% accuracy and position herself well to shoot from the circle edge as we know she can do.

ANL Round 6 – Melbourne Fury

Game 1 – Sunday 9 June, 3pm State Netball and Hockey Centre, Melbourne

Game 2 – Monday 10 June, 2.30pm Melbourne Arena, Melbourne