Fever accept Magpies netball "apology"

West Coast Fever captain Courtney Bruce says she has accepted an apology from Collingwood Magpies for the tense postscript to their Super Netball match, and is vowing to continue with the team's tenacious defensive style.

Some Magpies players reportedly reacted in an unfriendly manner towards their opponents immediately after Saturday's physical 68-57 loss to the Fever in Perth.

Social media was abuzz with talk that some of the Magpies players didn't shake hands with Fever players.

Magpies skipper Madi Robinson insists that wasn't the case.

"We're not sure why there was any confusion, but both teams and all players shook hands post-game," Robinson said in an article on the Collingwood website.

"After speaking with some Fever players this morning, we both agreed there was nothing unusual or untoward in our processes at the end of the game."

Bruce didn't want to detail exactly what went on after the game, but said the issue had been resolved and there were no ill feelings remaining.

"We had contact from Madi Robinson ... just apologising I guess for their behaviours," Bruce said.

"We accept their apology.

"Netball's heated, what you say on the court and what's done is left there, and it means nothing more."

The Fever sit on top of the ladder after starting their season with two straight wins.

The presence of star goalshooter Jhaniele Fowler has played a key role in West Coast's early success.

But their tenacious defence has also been influential.

Bruce said it was a style of play her team would't be changing any time soon, even if it did ruffle a few feathers.

"I don't think we were any more physical than we normally are," Bruce said of the fiery win over Collingwood.

"We play an attacking style of defence - that's what we want to do. Nothing was malicious. We didn't go out there to hit anyone.

"But sometimes bodies are on the line. That's what (Super Netball) and the netball world wants, and that's what we provided."

West Coast only narrowly avoided the wooden spoon last year, but are now second favourites to win this season's title.

Bruce said the team was embracing the growing hype surrounding them.

Their title credentials will be given another stern test on Saturday night against defending premiers Sunshine Coast Lightning in Queensland.

The Lightning are winless after two rounds, and desperate to break their duck.