Sunshine Coast Lightning will take on the Melbourne Mavericks in Hobart this weekend. Mavericks sit just under Lightning on the ladder and will be desperate for a win to inch themselves closer to finals.
After an unfortunate one-goal loss to the Mavericks in Round 4, Lightning will want to establish a lead early in the match, ensuring the game can’t be lost in the final seconds.
For the first and only time this season, fans in Hobart will be treated to a Suncorp Super Netball match, with thousands of fans expected to flock to MyState Bank Arena.
KEY MATCH UP
Ashleigh Ervin vs Shimona Jok
Both of these players are in outstanding form and are only continuing to build each week. Standing at 195cm, Jok is a key target for the Mavericks and is incredibly accurate under the post.
Recently selected in the Australian Diamonds, Ervin has had a stand-out season and has been crucial for Lightning’s defence – currently sitting second in the league for deflections and fourth in intercepts. She’ll want to ensure the ball isn’t going into Jok too easily, while using her footwork to confuse the space for the feeders.
COACH'S COMMENT
Lightning Head Coach Belinda Reynolds said she’s confident in her team’s ability to perform on the road.
“Every game is important, but we’ve probably been better on the road this year than we have at home,” she said.
“It gives the group a chance to galvanise together and have a real focus on the game. It also sets us up well for the back-end of the season. If we make it to finals, we’ve already been playing under that pressure for the last couple of weeks.
“Last time we played Mavericks we lost by one goal here on our home court, and unfortunately suffered a few injuries off the back of that game as well. So we’re certainly looking to right those wrongs this game.”
LAST TIME THEY MET
Round 4 2024, Mavericks (65) – Lightning (64)
THE TEAM
- Steph Fretwell (C)
- Cara Koenen
- Tara Hinchliffe
- Reilley Batcheldor
- Ashleigh Ervin
- Leesa Mi Mi
- Liz Watson
- Mahalia Cassidy
- Ava Black
- Courtney Bruce
MATCH DETAILS
- Suncorp Super Netball Round 12
- Sunshine Coast Lightning v Melbourne Mavericks
- MyState Bank Arena, Glenorchy
- 7pm AEST, Saturday 29 June
HOW TO WATCH
Catch the match live or on demand on Kayo or Foxtel for viewers within Australia.
For international viewers, watch the game via Netball Pass.
