West Coast Fever star on the art of the Super Shot, golden Grand Final opportunity

One of Super Netball’s best exponents of the Super Shot says the West Coast Fever are relishing a golden Grand Final opportunity.

West Coast Fever’s Super Shot specialist Sasha Glasgow says her team isn’t getting ahead of themselves despite the tantalising prospect of playing a Grand Final in front of their home fans.

The Fever have already locked in second spot on the Super Netball ladder with one round remaining and will play the Melbourne Vixens in the major semi-final.

But first they have to face Glasgow’s old side the Adelaide Thunderbirds, who are still a slim chance to make finals if they win and other results fall their way this weekend.

Watch every game of Suncorp Super Netball Finals LIVE & FREE with Kayo Freebies. Starts Saturday 18th June 7PM AEST. Join Kayo Freebies now, no credit card required >

Glasgow said the Fever won’t be taking the Thunderbirds lightly and will be hoping to enter the finals series in strong form.

“Absolutely, I think this game is really important for us to set our momentum for finals,” she told news.com.au.

“We are obviously rapt that we have secured that second spot and know what the semi looks like, but we want to make sure we’re focusing into this week.

“We still have a job to do against the Thunderbirds. They’ve gained quite a bit of momentum coming into the back half of the season. Their defence, who I’ll be playing against, have definitely come into some incredible form.

“So just making sure I’m doing all the right things to get the job done and then we can focus on finals.”

Glasgow has emerged as one of breakout stars of the Super Netball season largely thanks to her ability to sink long range two-pointers as the Fever’s Super Shot specialist.

Either starting in the goal attack position or coming off the bench with the task of nailing some Super Shots, Glasgow has thrived working in tandem with powerhouse goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler.

Sasha Glasgow has mastered the art of the Super Shot. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

“I’ve definitely loved it and feeling more comfortable this year in embracing my role and having great clarity in what the team needs from me,” the 23-year-old said.

“I’ve always been comfortable as a long distance shooter and that obviously ties in really well with the Super Shot.

“With the role I have in the team and Jhaniele is such an incredible one-point threat, her ability to score so well under the post, I knew that I had to practice my long distance shots. I’ve really loved having the Super Shot as part of my game.”

Glasgow said she has relished perfecting the art of the Super Shot and choosing the right time to go for a long distance shot. Super Shots can only be attempted in the last five minutes of each quarter.

“I love taking those moments and you see how quickly two points can swing momentum,” she said.

“I definitely love my ability to put up shots in those moments. When they go in it’s always good. But I definitely love every role I play I’m playing in the team. I think we’ve got an awesome group so whatever the team needs from me in each game, I’m happy to take it on.

“I think it’s a skill you have to work on particularly as the season progresses and probably realising that being in the team and the calibre that we have, that I was the more predominant two-point shooter.

“Having to find different ways to get myself into the two-point zone because sometimes I’ve been double teamed coming into the five minutes.

“So making sure I’m getting myself into that position is one thing and when I do get in that position, just making sure I am taking my time on my shot.

Glasgow has been one of the breakout stars of the Super Netball season. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“It is a massive rush of adrenaline when you do get those two points. Just making sure I’m taking my time to put the shots up and making smart decisions as well — because sometimes you land in the zone and you might not have to take it.

“You might just need to put one point on the scoreboard to keep it ticking over. There’s lots of strategy behind it and I think that will continue to grow as the Super Shot stays in the game.

“I love taking those two points and I love being able to celebrate. In difficult moments as well, to be able to bridge a gap or extend a lead, I guess I’m becoming more comfortable and enjoying the Super Shot.”

The Super Netball Grand Final will be held at Perth’s RAC Arena after Netball Australia made the controversial decision to give the hosting rights to the state government that bid the most.

While the decision upset many players and fans, Glasgow acknowledged it presents a golden opportunity for the Fever to try and claim their first Super Netball premiership in front of their home fans.

“We know it’s obviously a great opportunity for netballers in WA to be able to see a final at RAC Arena but for us, we’re just hoping to get a win this week and then win that semi,” she said.

Alice Teague-Neeld, Sasha Glasgow and Rudi Ellis during the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Campaign Launch. (Photo: Theron Kirkman/Getty Images for Woolworths)

“For us, we know that we’re in full contention to be able to play in the Grand Final but we really just want to get there first and do all the work that we can knowing that we come up against Vixens in the semis.

“Obviously we are so excited about the opportunity to play in the Grand Final but we really just want to get there first before we start getting too ahead of ourselves.”

Glasgow has partnered with Woolworths’ Pick Fresh Play Fresh grants program, an extension of Woolworths’ junior netball participation program NetSetGO.

A total of $100,000 worth of grants are on offer as part of the program — five worth $10,000 and 10 worth $5,000 — designed to assist with initiatives including facility improvements, equipment and training programs.

“I think Woolworths has a great initiative around making healthy choices around what you eat and how you feel,” Glasgow said.

“These grants can help so much with young associations and smaller associations all over Australia to get new equipment, to improve their facilities.

“I think that’ll just inspire kids to get out there. It’s always fun having new things and getting new balls to play with.

“It’ll be great for kids and hopefully inspire them to make healthy choices, get involved and hopefully have that dream to become a Diamond one day.”

Netball clubs and associations can apply for the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Grants at pickfreshplayfresh.netball.com.au/grants. Entries close on Sunday June 19.