From Suncorp Super Netball
Suncorp Super Netball previews round one of the 2020 season, headlined by a number of state derbies, all hosted in Queensland.
ROUND 1 FIXTURE (all times listed as local time):
| Queensland Firebirds v Sunshine Coast Lightning #SSNFirebirdsLightning Nissan Arena, Brisbane Sat 1 August – 1:00pm AEST Watch: Nine + Netball Live Official App Umpires: Georgina Sulley-Beales + Michelle Phippard | Adelaide Thunderbirds v West Coast Fever #SSNThunderbirdsFever Nissan Arena, Brisbane Sat 1 August – 3:00pm AEST Watch: Nine + Netball Live Official App Umpires: Bronwen Adams + Tayla Favell |
| GIANTS Netball v NSW Swifts #SSNGIANTSSwifts Nissan Arena, Brisbane Sun 2 August -1:00pm AEST Watch: Nine + Netball Live Official App Umpires: Michelle Phippard + Tamara Welsford | Melbourne Vixens v Collingwood Magpies #SSNVixensMagpies Nissan Arena, Brisbane Sun 2 August – 5:30pm AEST Watch: Telstra TV + Netball Live Official App Umpire: Tim Marshall + Andrea Booth |
Related—Suncorp Super Netball Season Preview from Megan Maurice
ROUND 1
Queensland Firebirds v Sunshine Coast Lightning
- With the entire competition now based out of Queensland, it’s fitting that the 2020 season will start with a Queensland derby.
- The Lightning will be looking for redemption after its grand final loss last season and they will be raring to go under new coach Kylee Byrne.
- The Firebirds ended last season with just one win to their name. They have a young side but with the experience of Gabi Simpson and Romelda Aiken on court, and vice-captain Gretel Bueta on the sidelines, Firebirds will be looking to let the league know they are the real deal.
Adelaide Thunderbirds v West Coast Fever
- The Thunderbirds will hit the court with their newly appointed co-captains Chelsea Pitman and Hannah Petty. Hannah is the youngest captain in the Suncorp Super Netball this season and reappointed captain Chelsea brings a wealth of experience to the role.
- The Fever will want this first win on the board after recording the most draws last season and just two wins.
- A battle to watch out for on court will be Thunderbirds’ Shamera Sterling taking on Jamaican team mate and Fever goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler.
GIANTS Netball v NSW Swifts
- The GIANTS have some unfinished business after just missing out on playing finals last season. They will be led by Jo Harten this season who is a player that will be comfortable in the new Super Shot zone.
- The Swifts will finally begin their 2019 title defence when they take to the court this weekend and, with the extended break, will be extra keen to show why they are the reigning premiers.
- For this NSW derby, the Swifts will welcome back their captain Maddy Proud who will return to the court after recovering from her ACL injury.
Melbourne Vixens v Collingwood Magpies
- Milestone: Emily Mannix will play her 50th national league
- Cross-town rivals the Vixens and Magpies will play this first 2020 Victorian derby in a match closed to the public during their final hours of quarantine.
- The Vixens had a strong 2019 season but just missed out on a spot in the Grand Final. They’ve said goodbye to Renae Ingles but will the inclusion of Kate Eddy and Tayla Honey help them make it all the way this year?
- Magpies will be entering 2020 with a fresh starting line up after Ash Brazill (injured), Nat Medhurst and Kim Ravaillion (maternity leave) all won’t be wearing the black and white this season. Will the new faces have what it takes, alongside co-captain Madi Browne who will return after 18 months on the sidelines due to an ACL injury.