Talking points: Top headlines from Sapphire Series round 1
From a freak injury rattling the Sunny Coast to a thrilling grand final rematch, catch up on all the talking points from round 1 of the 2024 HART Sapphire Series, including why last year’s bottom-of-the-ladder outfit ought to be taken serious. Full scoop inside:
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Round 1 of the 2024 Sapphire Series was nothing short of a spectacle.
From a freak injury rattling the Sunny Coast to a thrilling grand final rematch, catch up on all the talking points from round 1 of the 2024 HART Sapphire Series, including why last year’s bottom-of-the-ladder outfit ought to be taken serious.
Plus: check out our mega galleries
Cougars vs Jets (4pm show court)
Panthers v Bond – Ruby Series showcase
Titans vs Wildcats (6pm show court)
Talking Points
Why the Super Shot really is super
It was announced in September 2023 that the Super Shot – seen in the Suncorp Super Netball – would be introduced into both the Sapphire and Ruby leagues in 2024.
Unsurprisingly, the addition was received well across the board with many teams eager to showcase their talent with the new ruling.
And while it may a safe bet to find the post – as coached throughout junior, school sport and representative pathways, the Brisbane South Wildcats (6th in 2023) took the alternate, risky approach straight off the bat in round 1.
It almost paid off.
Coming up against the Gold Coast Titans (3rd in 2023), Wildcats made use of their long-range specialists Kydan Tuapou and Ali Miller.
They led for a portion of the first quarter which shocked the Titans into overdrive.
Later, despite trailing by a considerable 12 points in the fourth term, Wildcats’ Super Shot execution in the final five minutes brought the lead back within three.
The fight back and undeniable shooting accuracy is a testament to why the Wildcats cannot be taken lightly in 2024, especially with Miller – Firebirds’ 11th rosters player – bolstering their ranks.
Is this the Jets’ year?
The Brisbane North Cougars have, since their first premiership in 2020, been the ‘team to beat.’
Head coach Liz White has taken the side to four grand finals and come away with gold every time (runners up: Jets 2020, QUT 2021, QUT 2022 and 2023).
But on the other side of that tale, Jets head coach Paula Stuart has been patiently waiting her turn.
The pair clashed in round 1, and the Jets proved the better side thanks to a second half come back.
Elsa sif Sandholt (Jets) went head-to-head with Firebirds training partner Lilyana Rennie (Cougars) and arguably held her own from short and mid range.
In the defencive circle, Lily Gribble and Danielle Taylor both boasted stellar return-to-play debuts, turning over key possession off intercepts and rebounds.
While it’s too early to pick a premiership side, an early win on the board against their biggest rivals gives the Jets something to think about: is this their year? Is the Cougars’ reign finally over?
Titans frazzled, but is it a telltale?
The Titans were hit with an injury blow last month when star midcouter Peta Coles went down with an injured knee during pre-season.
Though hopes were high for an end-of-season comeback, scans revealed the extent of Coles’ injury would keep her sidelined until potentially 2026.
If that wasn’t enough, recruited shooter Tia Crombie suffered an ankle sprain during nationals in Melbourne last week, and is expected to be out until at least round 3.
With Lily Gray (WA/ C) and Roxy Rhind (GS) filling in, it was a less than ideal first hit out against the Wildcats.
Titans played well enough to hold off a late comeback, but winning by just three points has given the side something to ponder as they prepare to face Gold Coast rivals, the Bond Uni Bull Sharks in round 2.
The first casualty of 2024’s injury ward
Sustaining an injury in pre-season is one thing.
It gives a team the chance to find a replacement, train and adapt with their new member.
Going down in round 1, however, is another story.
For the Sunshine Coast Thunder, this nightmare has become a reality with midcourt star Brianna Martyn sustaining a major knee injury in the third quarter of their clash with the Carina Leagues Club Tigers.
Thunder were reached for an update on Martyn Monday morning.
From a spectator’s perspective the incident was ugly, but while we wait for updates, training must go on.
The good, the bad and the... frustrating
In true chaotic spirit, spectators on the show court were left to rely on Netball Connect and pure ‘vibes’ to follow the scoring during round 1.
Technical difficulties with the overhead boards prevented live scoring from being displayed to the crowd.
Instead, a flip board (pictured above) was brought out and bench officials manually flipped points for the players to see.
It was far from ideal for those watching in the stands, forced to continually refresh Netball Connect online (or simply guess based on cheering).
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Winner’s directory: 120 Gold Coast Hockey awardees
Big names and rising stars litter the list of over 120 athletes who finished their 2024 club hockey season with a trophy in hand. Discover every award-winner by club, plus the major awards handed out by GCHA: