Lightning will not strike twice – Alexander
DIAMONDS coach Lisa Alexander has revealed the four clubs she believes will make the semi-finals of Super Netball — and the defending champion is missing.
Going into the ninth round of 14 in the preliminary season, Alexander says she has been impressed with the intensity and lift in standard of the league since Sunshine Coast Lightning won the first title.
But she is predicting big changes in the make-up of the final four from last year with two clubs who failed to make the semi-finals tipped to easily make the cut this season.
“It is really hard. It is very close this year,” Alexander said.
“But for me it is the Firebirds, Giants, Fever and I’ll go for Vixens — they have been quietly going about their business. They are very disciplined and they are determined to get back to the four and give the finals a shake this time.”
The Giants, runners-up to the Lightning, and the Vixens finished top four last year.
The Vixens also finished as minor premiers.
But the Firebirds failed to make it, finishing fifth, while Fever ended the season as the seventh ranked side in the eight-club competition after posting two wins in their 14 regular season outings.
In a major turnaround, Fever is leading the competition going into Round 9, ahead of the Fire- birds with the Giants third and the Vixens fourth.
Alexander has identified the Swifts — who take on the Vixens in a must-win battle in Sydney tomorrow — as the potential spoilers.
“The Swifts are the dark horse,” said the Australian coach who is using Super netball to help her select a new Diamonds squad for a series of internationals later this year.
“They could just get themselves in there. They are playing well, they have improved again.”
The Swifts are protecting an impressive home record of five wins this season.
But in a major blow, they will be without shooter Sophie Garbin, being rested due to a foot injury, while Claire O’Brien has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a ruptured achilles.
On Sunday, the Giants will take on the Adelaide Thunderbirds in an outing that could see them return to the top two.