Round nine is done and with just five weeks left of the regular Super Netball season, some important jostling took place for ladder position.
Ahead of their showdown, the Sunshine Coast Lightning and NSW Swifts were tied on 12 points, with the Lightning ever so slightly in front in fourth place based on for and against.
But the constant speculation surrounding Samantha Wallace-Joseph’s omission wore down the Swifts and the Lightning managed to keep themselves within finals contention, winning 66-64.
The Adelaide Thunderbirds quickly learnt from their failed attempt to dismantle the West Coast Fever in round six, to turnaround and hand the team in green its biggest loss since 2019, 68-50.
The battle between the Giants and Queensland Firebirds became the unexpected game of the round, as both sides desperately try to avoid the wooden spoon.
The Giants eventually came out on top, 71-67, to leapfrog the Firebirds into seventh place.
Finally, the second Melbourne Derby of the season saw the Vixens register a new crowd record for a home-and-away season match, as 9,022 people turned up to watch the old guard maintain its bragging rights against the Mavericks, 77-58.
With that, the Vixens overtake the Fever in top spot. It could be a pivotal moment in their push towards the minor premiership.
If you missed it, don’t worry — we’ll get you up to speed with our Super Netball Round-Up.