MATCH INFORMATION
Who: Adelaide Thunderbirds v Melbourne Mavericks
When: Saturday 5 July
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Time: 7pm AEST
Broadcast: Kayo | Foxtel | Binge
The Melbourne Mavericks are set to take on a Round 13 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) showdown against the Adelaide Thunderbirds at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
After last meeting the Thunderbirds in Round 7 - which was also a First Nations Round clash - the Mavs fell to a 66-59 defeat. This was the Mavs third loss from three outings against the Thunderbirds, proving their sharp defensive pressure a tough challenge - particularly as they're coming off a Round 12 win against the Melbourne Vixens.
However, on the back of the Mavs first back-to-back wins for the season - securing a Round 11 win over the Queensland Firebirds, and then holding down an exciting final home game victory against then ladder-leaders, the NSW Swifts - the Mavs still have a point to prove in season 2025.
The young team are ready and raring to prove their growth to the Thunderbirds, taking their winning momentum into what is sure to be a blockbuster match.
Coming off of three losses in the last five rounds, this match is a must-win for the Thunderbirds if they are to secure their place in the 2025 SSN Finals and have a chance at what would be a historic '3-peat'. With a whole lot to play for, the Thunderbirds are set to be a tough match-up for our Mighty Mavs.
The Thunderbirds fighting force will hopefully prove to not withstand the Mavs building momentum, having failed to string together back-to-back wins since the first two rounds of the season. However, with their Round 12 performance securing the best defensive record in the league - conceding 59.8 points per match - the Mavs will have to bring their all to the court.
Mavs star shooter, Shimona Jok, said she was eager for her side to continue building on their play into the remaining two games of the season.
“I think as a team we really share the fight to just continually be better. We are building confidence and hunger.
“I really think we have the capacity to bottle up what we delivered in [last Saturday’s] game, take that and fine-tune the half-percenters, and make that performance even better. We are prepared to hit the ground running.”
Also filled with confidence after watching her side hang on to topple the NSW Swifts, Mavs head coach, Tracey Neville, spoke on the upcoming match-up against a team the Mavs are yet to defeat.
“As a team, we have made in-roads into previous losses against the Thunderbirds. We are really focusing on the parts of the game where we want to see particular improvements from the Mavericks, and our growth is palpable.
“Just like [last week], we are playing another team under finals pressure. The Mavericks have nothing to lose. We are determined to not let this season die in the final two games.
“I think that the Mavericks and Thunderbirds match up really well. We have similar playing styles, so ultimately taking the win will come down to seeing who can nail their basics.”
The team on-top at the final siren will come down to who takes the court with a consistent and composed drive, in what is set to be a fierce contest.
Tune in to Foxtel, Binge or Kayo to watch the Mavs fight for what would be a milestone third-in-a-row victory against the Thunderbirds, this Saturday from 7pm!
