New-look Fever out to build a dynasty
WEST Coast Fever hopes a golden era awaits it, and it wants to kick it off with a win in today’s Super Netball grand final against Sunshine Coast in Perth.
More than 12,000 fans will pack out Perth Arena in the hope of seeing the Fever’s maiden title.
WA netball fans have suffered through years of pain since the birth of the Perth Orioles in 1997.
The Orioles never came close to making the finals in their 11 years in the national competition and the Fever did only slightly better with one playoff appearance in its first 10 years.
It’s in stark contrast to the Lightning, who won last year’s title in its first year of existence.
Fever coach Stacey Marinkovich never got to experience finals action during her playing days at the top level, with eight of those fruitless seasons spent at either the Orioles or Fever.
But the former Fever captain now has the chance to guide the franchise to the ultimate success as coach.
The Fever won just two games last year.
But the arrival of star goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler — plus standout campaigns from Courtney Bruce, Verity Charles, and Jess Anstiss — have helped turn Fever into a real force.
“It’s a big step for us, but it’s not the only step,” Marinkovich said of getting to the final.
“We want to make sure that there’s sustained success at the club.
“We’re making sure that this is not just a one-off and it’s not just a fluke.”