Super Netball 2024: Why unpredictability is West Coast Fever’s biggest strength in finals campaign

Unpredictability is West Coast Fever’s strength this finals series as they look to claim a second premiership in three seasons. Mystery still surrounds the makeup of Fever’s starting seven for their sudden-death semifinal clash against Sunshine Coast Lightning at RAC Arena on Sunday. The only lock for a position is Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard. Barring disaster, she will line up at goal shooter. For the rest of the six bibs, there are nine players who can execute several roles to get the best of the Lightning. And this is because Fever coach Dan Ryan has not been afraid to throw the magnets around in 2024. Not once this season has Fever kept the same seven on the court for the entire 60 minutes, and 11 times they’ve used all 10 players at their disposal. The make-up of their starting line-up is almost certain to be determined by who Ryan decides to play at goal attack. Fowler-Nembhard’s countrywoman Shanice Beckford has been the choice more often than not, but after a red-hot start to the season, her form has wavered. Ryan shocked many in their final game of the season against Melbourne Mavericks when he moved Alice Teague-Neeld from wing attack into the shooting circle after half-time, and it proved a master stroke. It allowed Kelsey Browne to play at WA and made them a lot more mobile in attack. Youngster Olivia Wilkinson still looms as an option, though, given her supershot prowess, but experience may count against her when it comes to the big game. If Teague-Neeld does start at goal attack it will likely force a shuffle that will have captain Jess Anstiss in centre, Sunday Aryang at wing defence and imports Fran Williams and Kadie-Ann Dehaney in the key defensive posts. This line-up proved most effective against the Mavericks, but the biggest question will be, can Aryang stop Lightning star Liz Watson, or is that a job best left for Anstiss? These sort of decisions can make or break a finals campaign.