Round 4 of the Suncorp Super Netball League (SSN) delivered an exciting weekend of action, as unbeaten sides Adelaide Thunderbirds and Melbourne Vixens were both pushed to their limits. Matches were available live and on demand via NetballPass* for the international netball community.
International Player Watch – Round 4
GIANTS vs Queensland Firebirds
Both teams entered the contest in search of their first win of the season, but it was the visitors who made an early statement. Queensland Firebirds took control from the outset, capitalizing on key opportunities to build momentum.
Despite enjoying phases of possession, the GIANTS struggled to convert, allowing the Firebirds to establish a commanding 12–22 lead at quarter time.
Australian Diamond Ruby Bakewell-Doran played a pivotal role, recording three intercepts, five rebounds, and three deflections to guide her side to a convincing 78–55 victory.
Melbourne Mavericks vs Adelaide Thunderbirds
Adelaide Thunderbirds secured their fourth consecutive win—achieving the feat for the first time since 2006—with a 55–48 victory over Melbourne Mavericks, though not without a strong challenge.
The Mavericks proved to be the toughest opposition Thunderbirds have faced this season, staying within striking distance throughout and refusing to let the margin widen.
Jamaican Sunshine Girl Latanya Wilson delivered a crucial intercept late in the third quarter to maintain a five-goal buffer. The Thunderbirds then surged in the final quarter, extending their lead to as much as 11 goals.
Wilson was instrumental in the win, finishing with five intercepts and eight deflections.
NSW Swifts vs West Coast Fever
A dominant second-half performance from West Coast Fever saw them defeat NSW Swifts 77–55 in Round 4.
Jamaican Sunshine Girl Romelda Aiken-George was outstanding in attack, netting 67 goals, while England Rose Fran Williams anchored the defense with five gains.
Aiken-George now sits just behind South Africa SPAR Protea Elmeré van der Berg in the season’s scoring tally, with 202 goals compared to van der Berg’s 206.
Melbourne Vixens vs Sunshine Coast Lightning
Melbourne Vixens were also tested, but managed to preserve their unbeaten record with a hard-fought 70–59 victory over Sunshine Coast Lightning.
The Vixens trailed by as many as seven goals in the first half, as Lightning’s defense applied sustained pressure and forced multiple errors. However, eventual MVP Kiera Austin sparked a comeback, draining five Super Shots to reduce the deficit to just one at halftime.
The decisive moment came in the third quarter, where the Vixens reasserted control, showcasing their composure and quality to pull away and secure an 11-goal win.
