Fever Set for Top of the Table Clash

West Coast Fever have set up an enthralling top of the table clash with the NSW Swifts next Sunday, following a convincing victory over the Mainland Tactix to maintain their unbeaten start to the ANZ Championship season.

For the first time in Fever’s history, the west coast side recorded a double digit margin for a third consecutive week, securing a 14 goal win at HBF Stadium.

Head Coach Stacey Rosman said it was encouraging to see her team converting their training form onto the competition court.

“It was great to see us transfer our hard work from training this week into a game environment,” she said.

“Particularly in attack, the way we used our ball speed and balanced the court provided more concrete options, and fewer turnovers, which is something we’ve been looking to improve.”

Also a focus at training in recent weeks, Fever’s start ensured they would not be beaten out of the blocks, with a lightning paced first quarter from the home side sealed with a shot on the siren from Nat Medhurst (WAIS) to take a comfortable seven goal lead into the first break.

Medhurst and shooting partner Caitlin Bassett (WAIS) were sublime in the circle during the first half, taking advantage of a series of fantastic feeds from midcourters Shae Brown (WAIS) and Verity Simmons (WAIS).

Medhurst and Bassett’s consistent contribution to the scoreboard was complimented by the work of April Brandley (WAIS) and Courtney Bruce (WAIS) at the opposite end of the court who, for a third straight game, stifled a world class shooting opposition.

Fever’s full court pressure interrupted the flow of the Tactix attack, and enabled Brandley and Bruce to limit the effectiveness of mobile pair Bailey Mes and Mwai Kumwenda, setting up a 12 goal lead at the main break.

A holistic approach to defence is a feature Rosman wants Fever to become known for.

“Defensively we are working as a unit to create pressure across the court and disrupt the opposition.”

“This will, in turn, create far more opportunities for our team.”

With a 15 goal lead at the final break, Rosman once again turned to her bench, making wholesale changes for the fourth quarter.

Erena Mikaere, Josie Janz-Dawson (WAIS), Ingrid Colyer (WAIS), Kate Beveridge and Kaylia Stanton (WAIS) were all introduced for some valuable time on-court.

The performance of her bench in the final 15 minutes was not lost on the Coach.

“Our versatility and depth across this team is exceptional.”

“Players are not only getting opportunities, but taking them, which means we are seeing growth across the entire squad and beginning to gain a reputation as a team that runs games out.”

Shae Brown was crowned the Most Valuable Player for a third consecutive game, as her control at Centre continues to pay dividends for Fever.

While the return of Ash Brazill (WAIS) was another highlight in the home side’s clinical display, with the captain executing a series of her trademark intercepts in her first game of the season.

Brazill played all four quarters, and showed no signs of the minor knee complaint that has kept her on the sidelines in the opening fortnight.

Fever will now prepare to host rivals the NSW Swifts next Sunday morning at HBF Stadium, with the winner set to go top of the Australian conference.

-WestCoastFever (photo and content)