The 2025 Suncorp Super Netball Finals Series has had its share of drama, record-breaking performances, and hard lessons. The big semi-final match between the NSW Swifts and West Coast Fever shocked the netball community, not just because of the score, but also because it changed the story going into the season’s big games.
Fever’s fiery show breaks all the records
West Coast Fever beat the NSW Swifts 77-45 at RAC Arena in Perth, that was supposed to be a close match between the first and second teams on the ladder.
The 32-goal difference is now the biggest in the history of Super Netball finals. Fever also set two more records: the most goals scored in a single quarter (26 in Q2) and the highest score ever in a finals match.
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard was simply unstoppable, scoring 66 goals in a game that showed how the Fever completely controlled every third of the court. They didn’t just win; they ruined them with their defence and their clinical finishing.
The coach won’t let the Swifts off the hook.
The Swifts were definitely stretched since they were missing some of their most experienced campaigners. Maddy Proud is still on maternity leave, Paige Hadley is out with an injury, and Teigan O’Shannassy is out for the whole season. But head coach Briony Akle did not want to hear any of the excuses.
She said after the game, “We didn’t show up.” The Swifts lost the ball 30 times, while the Fever only lost it 15 times. While they shifted all 10 players in and out of the game to find the right mix, nothing could stop the bleeding.
Freddie Schneideman and Grace Whyte made their debuts and learned a lot. Grace Nweke scored 23 goals with 82% accuracy in her first SSN final since moving from New Zealand. Akle said it was a hard day at work, but he also talked about the Kiwi import’s age and future potential. “She’s only 23. She’ll be back.”
The Preliminary Final is where redemption will come.
The Swifts need to quickly get back together after their painful semi-final loss to the Melbourne Vixens. The game is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 27, at 2:00 PM AEST at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
The Vixens made it to the prelims after beating the Adelaide Thunderbirds, who were the reigning champions, in a thrilling match that ended Adelaide’s hopes of a three-peat. You can’t take Melbourne lightly with that kind of momentum.
But coach Akle is still sure: “It’s how you respond. How we get back up and fight again.”
How the SSN Finals format works
The last four teams in Super Netball follow a set path:
- 1st vs. 2nd in the Major Semi Final. The winner goes straight to the Grand Final, and the loser hosts the Preliminary Final.
- 3rd vs. 4th in the Minor Semi Final. The loser is out, and the winner moves on to the Preliminary Final.
- Loser of Major SF vs. Winner of Minor SF in the Preliminary Final. The winner goes to the Grand Final.
The teams who have qualified so far are:
- West Coast Fever (Minor Premiers)
- NSW Swifts (2nd)
- Melbourne Vixens (3rd)
The Adelaide Thunderbirds and the Sunshine Coast Lightning fought for the fourth and final spot. The Thunderbirds lost to Melbourne, so they didn’t get it.
What does it really mean to come in second?
The Swifts came in second place by just barely avoiding a mistake against the Firebirds. Even though they lost in the semifinals, this gave them a second chance to be eligible for the Grand Final.
If they had come in third, they would have had to play in the Minor Semi Final immediately, which would have been sudden death. Instead, they now have the home court advantage for their next game, which they must win.
Grand Final set for Melbourne
The Grand Final will definitely take place at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Saturday, August 2, at 7:30 PM AEST, regardless of who wins the preliminary.
This choice is in line with the league’s policy of selling the rights to host events, which has been the subject of a lot of debate. West Coast Fever will go east for the big dance, even though they are at the top of the ladder.
How to see the action live
You can watch every second of the finals live and on demand through:
- Kayo Sports
- Foxtel
- Binge
- Kayo Freebies (a few matches)
International fans can use the broadcast guide to find out how to watch it in their area.
Important dates and information about tickets
Preliminary Final: Swifts vs. Vixens
- Members can buy tickets before the general public on Monday, July 21 at 12:00 PM AEST.
- General Public: Opens on Tuesday, July 22 at 12:00 PM AEST through Ticketek
Grand Final: Fever vs. Prelim Winner
- Sales to the general public: already live (since June 19 via Ticketek)
- West Coast Fever Member Window: Monday, July 21 to Tuesday, July 22
- Preliminary Winner Members: Monday, July 28, to Tuesday, July 29
You can only buy tickets through Ticketek. There is no guarantee that other sources are correct.
Travel and high-end experiences
Want to make the Grand Final a weekend you’ll never forget?
- Events Travel is selling travel packages.
- The Grand Final Lunch and better access to hospitality are a couple examples of premium experiences.
- Trivia Night: Netball fans in Melbourne can meet Matt and Liv from The Back Court at Royal Saxon in Richmond on Thursday, July 31. Expect trivia, pints, and a classic pub atmosphere.
What to expect from the first final
The Swifts have the skill and the drive, but the Vixens are on a high after beating the Thunderbirds. This fight will probably come down to how mentally tough you are and how well you can do under pressure.
People to watch:
- Helen Housby (Swifts): Usually steps up when the pressure is on.
- Liz Watson (Vixens): The engine of the Melbourne midcourt.
- Sarah Klau (Swifts): Important for circle defence.
- Mwai Kumwenda (Vixens): Her amazing shooting can change a game.
Last thoughts
West Coast Fever may already be on their way to Rod Laver Arena, but the fight for who will join them is still very much on. The Swifts will have to get over the embarrassment of their record-breaking loss and play hard against a Melbourne Vixens team that is full of confidence.
This Sunday, everyone will be watching Qudos Bank Arena because it’s the last chance for them to win the Grand Final.
