Round 13 match preview

Hayley Hamp

After securing a big win on Monday night and one extra bonus point, the Magpies now sit one point outside of the top four with two games remaining. The Swifts continue to sit top of the ladder and now seek to remain there to host the first round of finals.

Last time we met the Swifts was in round 6, at Qudos Bank Arena the Magpies suffered a 68-52 point loss. However, as a collective our shooters shot at 90% and all our players got onto the court proving the Magpies are a diverse team on all ends of the court.

Since we last met the Swifts have sadly loss their captain Maddy Proud (ACL) and defender Lauren Moore (shoulder), and welcomed Silver Fern Katrina Rore as a replacement for the remainder of the season. This has no slowed the Swifts down however, so we’re in for a massive challenge this weekend!

Key matchups:

• Shimona Nelson v Sarah Klau: Both players are up and coming superstars of the league, with Klau recently debuting for Australia she has cemented her name as one of the best defenders in the league. Nelson however is only getting stronger, her positioning and taking of the ball has improved tenfold since we last met, so this will be a battle to watch!
• Ash Brazill v Paige Hadley: Brazill recently moving into centre puts her up against newly reinstated Diamond Hadley. Both players have extremely different playing styles, but both have serious speed. Brazill will need to utilise her AFLW skills and ability to leap to overcome Hadley’s speed.
• Geva Mentor v Sam Wallace: Wallace is an extremely strategic player with her positional hold, however Mentor has been phenomenal post World Cup and perfected her hold against West Coast Fever’s Jhaniele Fowler so it set to come out on top this weekend.

Game details:

Round 13 v NSW Swifts

Silverdome, Launceston

Saturday 17 August, 3pm

Live on Channel 9 or via the Netball Live App