All to play for: Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final 2018

  • August 22nd, 2018
  • Eleanor Durr


After Sunshine Coast Lightning secured a 59-50 victory over the Giants in the preliminary final, they now have a real chance at retaining their title. On Sunday 26th August, the final of the Suncorp Super Netball final will take place in Perth Arena, where a record netball crowd is expected of more than 12,000 fans to watch Sunshine Coast Lightning take on West Coast Fever in the fight for top spot.

These two teams met twice during the regular home and away season, in round 3 and round 10, however the result couldn't have been tighter with Fever walking away with the victory in both games by a mere 1 goal! For West Coast Fever it will be the first time in history that they have played a Grand Final match, let alone having the privilege to host the game on home turf. However, Sunshine Coast Lightning will be determined to take the Championship for a second year in a row, leaving all to play for.

An interview by Nine News Perth revealed, for Fever their game plan is very much 'business as usual'. They are not looking to change anything up too much, just stick to what has been successful for them so far. However, the Sunshine Coast Lightning did not get off to the best start in the regular season with a 0-3 record, nevertheless they do not seem worried with Herald Sun reporting how Karla Pretorius mentions the Sunshine Coast will 'save their best for last'. Both teams carry a large fan base of which they will be undoubtedly relying on, on the weekend. With a home final West Coast Fever is calling for Perth fans to unite, however Sunshine Coast carry much support too, with a Queensland radio station banning all Perth based musicians from hitting the airwaves in support of the Sunshine Coast team.

The match is likely to be fiercely contested. West Coast Fever have had a phenomenal season, after only winning two games last season, the team have gone back to basics and found their recipe for success. On the contrary, Sunshine Coast Lightning had a winning season last year, yet had to fight hard to even make final this year. Nevertheless, Lightning are the team with the most momentum after finishing the season with four straight wins, and gaining the most bonus points (35 points) for quarter wins than any other team. With neither team shying away from the challenge, who will be crowned the 2018 Suncorp Super Netball Champions?

Who to watch out for?


- The match-up of former Fever player, Caitlin Bassett, against Fever goalkeeper Courtney Bruce is set to play a crucial role in the outcome

- Fever is also likely to rely heavily on Jamaican goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler, who led the league in scoring this season and has played a key role in turning the club from 'easybeats' into title contenders

- Sunshine Coast Lightning will look towards their backbone defence of Karla Pretorius and Geva Mentor to make some game changing interceptions