First of all, Jhaniele Fowler back on-court at the right time knowing what she does best – shooting goals inside the net and here goes the Fever’s first win of 2025.
Still long way to go of course having lost the first two when Jhaniele was closing in towards full fitness following a tough last few months with the miscarriage of her unborn child. But now as a whole Fever unit together, Jhaniele wants unfinished business closing into Top 4 at some point and play Finals with the hope of going one better past Prelims & go all in for the GF.
Then England International Fran Williams kept a great eye on the Vixens’ dangerous front two alongside GK Kadie-Ann Dehaney at Goal Defense. She’s also an excellent pivot at rebounds to her middies engine room such as the long bombs at the other end and that is key to playing Jhaniele’s best strengths up front.
On that note, Kiera Austin did the best she could in and out of the circle after 60 odd minutes at Goal Attack for the Vixens – don’t know what went wrong other than some good late game momentum, particularly with super shots. It’s unfortunate they weren’t on the same page along with some misuse of their players & that’s by being on the back foot.
Other than Giants still winless as of a long weekend split Round 3, lots to play for from others with the Swifts on an unbeaten winning streak ahead of Round 4 next weekend.
Could we see Fever with Jhaniele now back in the field continue making up lost time v the Sunshine Coast Lightning?
There’s a Melbourne derby too at the same time next Sunday arvo at 2pm where Vixens could either bounce back as long as they get their structure right or else it’s the Mavericks turn this time?
There’s going to be lots more other big questions if you’re a Giants or Firebirds fan with their respective next opponents Thunderbirds and Swifts currently flying Top 2. But at the end of the day, fingers crossed – we’ll see when all players are being tested at the highest level of National League competition in Australia and this is going to be good as it gets.
Oh going to be a nice Auckland reunion between Grace Nweke (Swifts, ex-Mystics) and coach Kiri Wills (Firebirds, ex-Stars) for that next Swifts v Firebirds contest albeit in Super Netball colours.
For now, Vixens not bad at playing catch-up including super shots time but Fever have the overall on-court dominance that Vixens couldn’t have in the end by 57-67.
