In the concluding round of the SSN before finals, the Melbourne Mavericks will attempt to not only make their winning streak three in a row, but they too will be pushing to solidify their top four position and make finals in their inaugural season.
To do so, the Mavs will have to secure their win against the West Coast Fever, however, the Sunshine Coast Lightning must lose their final match against the Adelaide Thunderbirds, who they previously lost to by just four goals in order for the Mavericks to move up the ranks,
LAST TIME WE MET:
There is no doubt that this game is one for the history books with these statistics:
- The Mavericks lost to the Fever, 62 goals to 69 goals, each time winning two quarters.
- The Mavericks sit on 87 per cent shooting accuracy for the season, and the Fever sit on 90 per cent shooting accuracy.
- The Mavericks shot 10/15 super shots, with the Fever shooting four from five.
- The Mavs took six intercepts compared to the Fever’s four.
- The Fever had an 81 per cent centre pass-to-goal rate as opposed to the MAvericks’ 63 per cent. The Mavs will need to pick that up if they hope to take home the win this game.
KEY MATCHUPS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
Molly Jovic V Jess Anstiss
With Molly Jovic back in the firing line, Jess Anstiss will certainly have her work cut out for her. Quick thinking, speedy off the mark and an overall dangerous player, Jovic is a real threat for the West Coast Fever’s game plan. Last time these teams met, Jovic had nine goal assists, and last weekend, Anstiss secured ten. This matchup will set RAC Arena on fire this weekend wherein both athletes want to create an opportunity for their team to come away with the four points.
Quick on their feet, these players are creative in their movements and unstoppable when it comes to connecting with their teammates in the goal circle. Stopping these two at the centre pass is next to impossible, it will be a tight battle to see who comes out on top.
Shimona Jok V Kadie-Ann Dehaney
Shooting at over 97 per cent week in and week out, and serving as a rock for the Maverick’s side is Shimona Jok. Her strongholds and ability to propel herself in the air to tackle the high balls is a key aspect of the team’s connectivity and game plan. This style is exactly what Kadie-Ann Dehaney will be looking to poke holes in. Coming away with two intercepts last time these teams played, Jok was able to keep Dehaney quiet in the goal circle. However, there is no stopping Dehaney and her incredible ability to read the ball, both athletes will need to remain true to their game plans and work the ball accordingly should they wish to come away victorious.
Amy Parmenter V Sunday Aryang
After a stellar performance against the GIANTS, collecting one intercept and five deflections, Amy Parmenter will be ready to rumble this Saturday. Sunday Aryang on the other hand, will be ready to prevent the Mavericks attackers from gaining easy balls and will make the team work for every opportunity. This can only be mirrored down the Fever’s attack end by Parmy, who is known for her never-give-up attitude, and ability to switch on the jets and put her attackers in a pressure box, allowing unforced errors to be created and opportunity for her Mavericks’ to shine.
Don’t miss the Melbourne Mavericks take on the West Coast Fever in their final round of the SSN season, they will need to go big or go home if they wish to make one final stab at the top four!
