West Coast Fever dominate Melbourne Vixens to win maiden Super Netball title
The West Coast Fever produced an absolute clinic in the Super Netball Grand Final to finally claim an elusive title.
Matthew Sullivan
less than 2 min read
July 3, 2022 - 6:06PM
The West Coast Fever have claimed their maiden Super Netball title with a dominant 70-59 win over the Melbourne Vixens in the Grand Final on Sunday night.
The Fever went in as favourites after thrashing the Vixens in their semifinal a fortnight ago, and it was the exactly the same story as they put on a clinic in front of a record home crowd at Perth's RAC Arena.
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In Dan Ryan's first season as Fever coach, his side finally managed to claim an elusive domestic netball title - their first in the club's 25-year history.
Courtney Bruce set the tone with several deflections in the first quarter as the Fever got off to a flyer. They took a four-point lead into quarter time and were never headed from there.
Ryan's side produced a four-quarter masterclass, successfully nullifying the Vixens' star-studded midcourt for the second time this finals series.
The Vixens looked lost for answers in attack and struggled to make an impact in the shooting circle, while Diamonds captain Liz Watson was well below her best.
Super Shot specialist Rahni Samason was injected early in the game in a bid to stay in touch with the Fever, but Vixens coach Simone McKinnis surprisingly left her on the bench in the last quarter as the deficit blew out.
Sasha Glasgow was absolutely everywhere for the West Coast Fever. Photo: James Worsfold/Getty Images.
In contrast, Jhaniele Fowler and Sasha Glasgow were unstoppable as a shooting combination for Fever.
Glasgow nailed several Super Shots and also played a crucial role as an extra feeder to the circle.
It was one of the goal attack's best games of the season and she was named Grand Final MVP for her efforts.
Fowler eased her way into the game and exploded in the second quarter when the towering goal shooter crunched Vixens defender Jo Weston in a bruising contest.
The Fever lost the 2020 Super Netball Grand Final to the Vixens but this victory sparked emotional and jubilant scenes as they finally clinched that elusive premiership.
"We bloody did it," Fever captain Bruce said as she lifted the trophy.
The West Coast Fever are Super Netball premiers at long last. Photo: James Worsfold/Getty Images
Updates
Fever one quarter away from glory
The West Coast Fever are just one quarter away from claiming their first ever Super Netball title.
The Fever continued their dominant performance in the third term to take a 54-45 lead into the final break.
Sasha Glasgow nailed a pair of Super Shots to the delight of the raucous crowd in Perth, but the Vixens appear lost for answers.
The Vixens' midcourt is struggling to connect with their shooting circle and they look lacklustre in attack.
It will take a herculean effort for them to overcome the 11-point deficit and take the trophy.
Fever still leading, Vixen 'monstered' by Fowler
The Fever take a 35-29 lead into halftime and look on track to win their first Super Netball title.
Rahni Samason replaced Mwai Kumwenda in the Vixens' shooting circle and helped her side stay in touch with two crucial Super Shots.
It is a physical contest but the Vixens are making life hard for themselves, giving away a whopping 22 penalties in the second quarter alone.
The Fever are keeping the Vixens at an arms length and Jhaniele Fowler went to another level, crunching Jo Weston as she took the ball in a brutal collision.
Jhaniele Fowler crunches Jo Weston. Photos: Fox Sports.
"Jhaniele Fowler absolutely monstered Jo Weston in that contest," Cath Cox said.
"We were worried about her not really firing up. Have a look at this! Get out of my way. Jhaniele Fowler is so strong."
Fever dominate 1st quarter to take early lead
The West Coast Fever lead 18-14 after the first quarter of the Super Netball Grand Final.
The Fever got off to a flyer and dominated possession at an electric RAC Arena as captain Courtney Bruce set the tone with six deflections.
"Courtney Bruce is having a crack at absolutely everything," Cath Cox said on Fox Netball.
The Vixens got off to a shaky start but weathered the storm to stay in touch at the first break, as Sasha Glasgow and Kiera Austin nailed some Super Shots.
A commanding performance from goal attack Kiera Austin has helped power Australia to a series win against the Roses with a 69-56 victory in Bendigo on Wednesday night.
It was billed as a showdown between the two Marie Little Shield powerhouses, but one side had other ideas at the national netball championships. Watch all four play-off REPLAYS.
