The West Coast Fever put on a dominant display at the RAC Arena in front of a record breaking 13, 908 sell out crowd that will go down in sporting history. This was third time lucky for the Fever franchise who deserve nothing more than to be Champions of the Suncorp Super Netball trophy, with a 70 - 59 pt win over the Melbourne Vixens.
The Fever went into the game as favourites after beating the Vixens in the Major Preliminary final two weeks ago but could they shake the monkey off their back of never having won a national title in 25 years and get back to back wins over the Vixens. The answer was a definite YES.
Captain Fantastic, Courtney Bruce, lead the way with some massive defensive plays in the first quarter that set the tone from the onset for both the supporters and her team. She praised the the noise and support of the WA netballing fans known as the Green Army , "I could not hear my own team mates" she said.
From attack to defense the Fever did not put a foot wrong and with an MVP performance from Goal Attack, Sasha Glasgow connecting with the amazing sharp shooting of Jhaniele Fowler, the Vixens looked like they had no reply. The controversial Super shot had no impact on this game as the Fever where just too strong once again. When we counted down the minutes in the last quarter we relaxed, smiled and waited for the packed arena to go wild.
Watching the lime green confetti fall from the sky. The cheering, roaring and happy tears filled the stadium like a water bottle left under a running tap until eventually it overflowed. The players wait was finally over and their hard work had paid off.
The speed at which these athletes play their sport amazes me every time, not to mention the nimbleness of our centre Verity Simmons. We also reckon Verity was the one who took the trophy home tonight as she was not letting it go during celebrations.
West Coast Fever, you are amazing. You have done your sport, your State and yourselves proud. Young girls look up to you. Us fans are in awe of you. You are the champions.
Women In Sport WA would like to give a special thanks to the Dan the Man of the moment and all the hard work he and his team put into making this milestone possible. Thank you West Coast Fever and Netball WA from Women in Sport WA and enjoy the celebrations.
Written by Laoise and Karen Hennessy
Main photo Suncorp Netball Instagram
Gallery Johan Schmidt WA photographer 📸