Round 12 match preview

Hayley Hamp

Round 12 is do or die for the Magpies as we’re chasing a big win to secure our finals hopes for 2019. Last week saw a shocking draw against the Adelaide Thunderbirds at Priceline Stadium, which sees us remain only four points outside the top four.

Nat Medhurst will return to Perth and play at RAC Arena for the first time since moving to the Magpies at the conclusion of the 2018 SSN season, and when she steps out on court she will match current record holder Susan Petitt for national league games, receiving her 232^nd cap.

Last time we met the Fever in round 5 at Bendigo Stadium, we suffered a two point loss, so the team are looking to turn the tables around on the Fever home ground and secure the win, and all four bonus points.

Key Match Ups

• April Brandley v Alice Teague-Neeld: Both players are foundation players for the Magpies, with Teague-Neeld moving over west to the Fever at the end of the 2018 season. Brandley will need to stick tight to ensure Teague-Neeld gets minimal hands on the ball, as she can be dangerous from anywhere in the shooting circle.
• Nat Medhurst v Stacey Francis: Also ex-teammates, these two know each other well and are also good friends. Both are extremely quick and physical with the ball, so this is a match up to watch and whoever can come out on top is likely to be a game changer for their team.
• Ash Brazill v Verity Charles: If Braz is to play centre again…what a match up this will be. Brazill and Charles are arguably two of the most athletic players in the Suncorp Super Netball competition, so we can expect these two to really put on a show to win the ball.

The game will be the league’s first Monday night fixture as they trial a series of different fixtures. So strap yourselves on for one major battle! Catch the action live on Telstra TV or via the Netball Live App.

Round 12: West Coast Fever v Collingwood Magpies

Monday 12 August

6pm AWST (8pm AEST)

RAC Arena, Perth