Fever Embrace Giant Challenge

Friday the 3rd of February saw the West Coast Fever take on GIANTS Netball in their first pre-season hit out against a Suncorp Super Netball franchise.

Travelling to Northam for the occasion, the two teams were met by a 250 person crowd at the Northam Recreation Centre.

The match provided the opportunity for Fever Head Coach, Stacey Marinkovich to test out combinations whilst also giving all players a run ahead of the inaugural Suncorp Super Netball season. 

Marinkovich said “to be able to play against Suncorp Super Netball opposition is really important.”

“Ultimately you need to get quarters into most players so they’re ready for the season proper and know what to expect when they get the opportunity, and in that respect it was a successful evening.”

The first two quarters of the match saw GIANTS Netball lead at both breaks before strong third quarter effort from the Fever saw them regain some ground on their opposition.

Depsite their efforts the Western Australian side walked away 13 goals down, 44 to 57. 

With a second game scheduled between the two sides for Sunday the 5th of February it was not long before the Fever got another go at versing their New South Wales opposition.

This time playing at HBF Stadium in Perth, the Fever came out firing for their first game in front of their membership crowd.

The home side pushed their competitors throughout the whole game, heading into the final quarter at 35 goals a piece. 

Fever fought hard in the final 15 minutes however could not seal the win, finishing the game 48 to 51.

Following their second hit out against GIANTS Netball, Stacey Marinkovich said “the improvement in combinations, decision making and match fitness was obvious across the entire court.”

“It was very pleasing to see the group process feedback from Friday’s performance and apply those learnings to another challenging contest.”

“Both these games have been invaluable in terms of our preparation and I firmly believe we are in a good position as we turn our attention to Round 1.”

The West Coast Fever play their first match of the Suncorp Super Netball competition against the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Sunday the 19th of February in Adelaide.