Round 3 of the Suncorp Super Netball League (SSN) delivered an action-packed weekend, with matches available live and on demand via NetballPass*, Kayo Sports, Foxtel, and Binge. Melbourne Vixens and Sunshine Coast Lightning edged out thrilling one-goal victories, while Adelaide Thunderbirds and West Coast Fever recorded more commanding wins.
International Player Watch – Round 3
Melbourne Mavericks vs Melbourne Vixens
Melbourne Vixens extended their winning streak with a dramatic 72–71 extra-time victory over city rivals, Melbourne Mavericks.
The Mavericks made the stronger start, with Australian Diamond Jamie-Lee Price and Jamaican Sunshine Girl Shimona Nelson combining effectively to put early pressure on the Vixens. The home side led by five goals at the first break, and from there the contest remained tightly balanced, with both teams trading momentum across the quarters.
With scores locked at 63–63 at full time, the match went into extra time, where the Vixens’ experience proved decisive. Australian Diamonds Kate Moloney, Jo Weston, and Sophie Garbin played key roles in securing the narrow win.
Sunshine Coast Lightning vs NSW Swifts
Round 3 delivered another nail-biter, as Sunshine Coast Lightning claimed a 66–65 victory over NSW Swifts.
The Swifts started strongly, taking the opening quarter by three goals, led by a standout defensive effort from Teigan O’Shannassy. However, momentum shifted throughout the match, with both sides claiming two quarters each.
Strong performances in the second and third quarters, led by captain Liz Watson, gave Lightning a slim advantage heading into the final term. England Rose Helen Housby returned to the court and briefly put the Swifts ahead with a crucial Super Shot, but Lightning quickly responded to reclaim the lead and held on for the win after a missed final attempt from Housby.
Queensland Firebirds vs Adelaide Thunderbirds
Adelaide Thunderbirds produced a dominant display, recording their largest-ever win with a 73–56 victory over Queensland Firebirds.
The tone was set early, as the Thunderbirds surged to a 21–9 lead in the opening quarter. Jamaican Sunshine Girl and co-captain Shamera Sterling-Humphrey was outstanding, registering 50.5 net points in the first quarter alone, including six gains.
In attack, South Africa SPAR Protea Elmeré van der Berg and Lauren Frew were clinical, combining accuracy with strong movement in the circle. Although the Firebirds tightened their defense after the first break, the Thunderbirds’ international players continued to influence the game.
Latanya Wilson and Kate Heffernan were particularly impactful in the third quarter, with Wilson’s defensive gains and Heffernan’s precise distribution helping maintain control. The result keeps the Thunderbirds unbeaten this season.
West Coast Fever vs GIANTS Netball
West Coast Fever delivered a comprehensive team performance to defeat GIANTS Netball 69–50.
Jamaican Sunshine Girl Romelda Aiken-George led the attack with 53 goals from 62 attempts, supported well by England Rose Sasha Glasgow, who added 12 goals. Defensively, Kadie-Ann Dehaney played a key role in limiting the GIANTS’ scoring opportunities with her relentless pressure.
Although the GIANTS rallied in the final quarter to win the period 17–14, the deficit proved too large to overcome, as Fever secured a comfortable victory.
