Super Netball Grand Final: Ultimate Guide to Melbourne Vixens v West Coast Fever
At the end of a challenging season that has taken Suncorp Super Netball into a Queensland hub, we're all set for a big finale as the Melbourne Vixens take on the West Coast Fever.
Here's everything you need to know about Sunday's blockbuster decider.
WHEN
The Suncorp Super Netball grand final is scheduled to start at 1pm on Sunday, with the game to be played at Nissan Arena in Brisbane.
HOW TO WATCH
The grand final will be broadcast live on Nine. You can also follow the match with Wide World of Sports' Match Centre, featuring live scores and video highlights.
Emily Mannix and Liz Watson of the Vixens celebrate after securing a spot in the Grand Final Getty
EXPECTED STARTING LINE-UPS
Melbourne Vixens
GS – Mwai Kumwenda
GA – Caitlin Thwaites
WA – Liz Watson
C – Kate Moloney
WD – Kate Eddy (fitness pending)
GD – Jo Weston
GK – Emily Mannix
West Coast Fever
GS – Jhaniele Fowler
GA – Alice Teague-Neeld
WA – Emma Cosh
C – Verity Charles
WD – Jess Anstiss
GD – Stacey Francis
GK – Courtney Bruce
West Coast Fever knocked out the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the preliminary final. Getty
UMPIRES
Georgina Sulley-Beales and Nathan Begley
THE ODDS (COURTESY OF SPORTSBET) *correct at time of publishing
Melbourne Vixens: $1.65; West Coast Fever: $2.20
TALE OF THE TAPE
Round 10: Vixens 63 drew Fever 63
Round 5: Vixens 68 def Fever 59
THE MATCH UP
The Vixens have been the dominant force in this year's Super Netball competition, romping to the minor premiership.
However, one of the quirkiest stats in Australian sport is that the minor premier has never gone on to win the grand final in its history, albeit that this is just the competition's fourth season.
It puts history against a Melbourne side that has vowed to win it for its besieged state with many of the Vixens players struggling to cope in hub life away from their families who have been locked down for long periods of the season.
That emotion will come to the fore on Sunday and it's best embodied in the Vixens' resilient back-court, which is the most stingy in the competition.
Jhaniele Fowler is the Fever's front court leader. Getty
Fittingly, the Vixens' defence comes up against its biggest challenge in the Fever, with the Perth side the most fearsome attacking outfit in the competition, led by the intimidating figure of Jamaican star Jhaniele Fowler.
Widely regarded as the best player in the competition, Fowler has been in excellent form again in 2020 and her ability to put the ball in the goal is likely to be match deciding.
If Fowler has her way with the Vixens defence, the Fever will be extremely difficult to beat. It's a contest that won't faze Jo Weston and Emily Mannix and it sets up what should be a mouth-watering finale on Sunday.
