3 minute read

The last spot in the finals-bound top four as well as the minor premiership are up for grabs heading into the final round of the Super Netball.

A confidence-boosting win over Super Netball heavyweights NSW has Collingwood primed to launch a finals challenge heading into the last round this weekend.

The Magpies crushed the Swifts by 12 goals last round in Launceston and claimed all bonus points which led to NSW surrendering top spot on the ladder to reigning premiers Sunshine Coast.

Tempering the big win was a season-ending knee injury to their Australian wing attack Kelsey Browne, who joins her sister Madi on the sidelines with the same injury.

But with a draw and two wins from their last three games the fifth-placed Magpies feel they're ready to take down the third-ranked Melbourne Vixens at Melbourne Arena on Sunday.

The top three finals spots are locked in, with Collingwood trailing the Giants by one point in the race for the remaining position.

If the Giants beat West Coast (sixth) on Saturday and take all four bonus points for winning each quarter they can't lose fourth spot.

But if they win without maximum points the Magpies can pounce.

If both teams win or if they both lose, Collingwood can take fourth spot if they secure two bonus points more than the Giants.

As well as the last finals berth, the minor premiership and home court advantage for the playoffs is up for grabs with the Swifts now two points behind the Lightning.

NSW host last-placed Queensland Firebirds on Saturday afternoon followed by the Lightning's clash with Adelaide.

The Lightning will wrap up top spot if they beat the seventh-placed Thunderbirds and claim two bonus points.

If the Swifts down the Firebirds and take all four bonus points (leaving the teams tied on points) the Lightning will claim the minor premiership as they've won more games throughout the season.