Round 9 match preview

Hayley Hamp

There’s just one game left until the 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup, and we’re back at Melbourne Arena for round nine where we will take on the Queensland Firebirds in what’s sure to be a thrilling game. We’re lucky enough to be able to showcase our Indigenous dresses in front of our home crowd, which the team are extremely grateful for.

Round eight saw a tough loss for the playing group in the Sunshine Coast and are looking to bounce back firing before the break. Last time we met the Firebirds, we drew in an extremely physical game on their home turf. This time round we know what to expect and are seeking to remain unbeaten at Melbourne Arena in 2019.

As we currently sit three points behind the top four, this weekend’s game is crucial for the team to come out on top of to keep their finals campaign alive, and for a breath of fresh air going into the break. Every quarter and thus bonus point is crucial to put away and the team are motivated to get the job done. The Giants who sit in front of us are playing the Vixens, so we will need them to shut the Giants down to help us get back into the four.

Key match ups:

• April Brandley v Gretel Tippett: both experienced national and Australian Diamonds players, this matchup is one to watch. Everyone knows Tippett has a basketball-like style of play, which is very impressive to watch. Brandley will need to zone Tippett out to ensure she has no room to complete her impressive layup play to score. Both players know the other one’s style of play, so Brandley will need to stick tight to Tippett to ensure she doesn’t see much of the ball.
• Nat Medhurst v Tara Hinchliffe: Hinchliffe is becoming known as one of the fiercest defenders in the league. Playing against one of the most experienced players in Medhurst, this is a match up that will make or break the game.
• Kelsey Browne v Gabi Simpson: These two are some of the quickest and most agile players in the league, and have played together at national level in 2018. This will be battle of the fittest for all four quarters, and is sure to be a show!

The Tasmanian Magpies enjoy a break this weekend before competing in finals over the weekend of 29 and 30 June. Stay tuned for more information to come out soon!