Fever to give Medhurst some friendly lip

Star West Coast Fever goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler predicts there will be some friendly banter when her team lines up against Nat Medhurst in Saturday's clash with Collingwood.

Medhurst was controversially dumped by the Fever at the end of last season despite playing a crucial role in leading the team to the Super Netball grand final.

The 35-year-old has since linked up with Collingwood and she'll come face to face with her former Fever teammates at Bendigo Stadium on Saturday.

Fowler, who formed a strong combination with Medhurst last season, predicts there will be a bit of friendly chit chat during the game.

"There's always banter during games, so most definitely," Fowler said.

"We know we have to shut her down because she's an awesome player.

"It's always good to see a player stepping out of one environment and into another environment and still flourishing, so that's good."

The Fever's finals hopes were hanging by a thread after starting the season with three straight losses.

But last week's draw with Melbourne Vixens has raised hopes of a revival, especially with star goal keeper Courtney Bruce back on deck from an elbow injury.

The Fever (six points) currently sit in last spot - 14 points adrift of fourth-placed Collingwood.

But if the Fever can score road wins over Collingwood and Queensland over the next fortnight, they will be back within striking distance of the top four.

Fever goal attack Kaylia Stanton played her best game of the season last week, tallying 12 goals and 21 goal assists.

Fowler praised the 25-year-old, who has been entrusted with filling the shoes of Medhurst.

"Kaylia is improving game after game," Fowler said.

"She's making it a lot easier for me down in the shooting end. I'm pretty pleased with how she's progressing."