Cross-town rivals with plenty of history. Bragging rights go to the Mystics, beating the Stars 62-59 in round four and 63-58 in round 12. But the two produced the game of the season in round eight, a double-extra time thriller — the first in the competition’s history — the Stars coming out on top 79-77. Both sides have dominant shooters, sitting first and second on the ladder. Grace Nweke (Mystics) is a powerhouse, and there is almost no stopping her, slotting 755 goals from 821 attempts at 92% this year. Maia Wilson missed only two goals last week, and remains the league’s most accurate shooter, scoring 631 from 671 attempts, at 94%.
Road to finals
The Mystics tied up the minor premiership, earning last week off. They will come in fresh, but it always raises the question of whether teams are in the same mindset after a break. No denying they have been the in-form team this season, and it will be an emotional send-off for captain Sulu Fitzpatrick. The Stars will be full of confidence after the 53-52 win over the Central Pulse in last week’s elimination final. The Stars won only the third quarter last week, 16-8, but showed they can grind out a win and play possession netball when it really counts. Will also be on a high after the news this week head coach Kiri Wills has committed for next season.
Under attack
Gina Crampton and Peta Toeava are the maestros of their attack lines. Crampton proved last week that experience counts in the big moments and continues to lead the competition for feeds (691) and rank second for centre pass receives (341). Toeava — known for her flair and no-look passes — might not have the volume of feeds (571) and receives (341) as Crampton, but her connection with Nweke is unstoppable. They have the ball on an invisible string, and if the Stars have any hope of stopping Nweke, it starts with shutting down her partner in crime Toeava out the front.
On defence
Elle Temu and Holly Fowler teamed up nicely last week. They were not flashy, but shut down the first option in the circle, and both sit in the top 10 for defensive rebounds and deflections. Fijian international Kelera Nawai-Caucau has also made an impact at goal keep. But the Mystics’ experience of Fitzpatrick and Phoenix Karaka has been big this year. Fitzpatrick, who missed the middle of the season with injury, is a wise head at the back and Karaka is a ball winner. Michaela Sokolich-Beatson has had a dominant season at wing defence for the Mystics.
Key match-up
One that might surprise people — Phoenix Karaka against Amorangi Malesala. Both have the ability to be game changers and that is exactly what is needed in a final.
Malesala was the hero during the round eight clash and has come into her own this season. She plays with a maturity beyond her years, and is a workhorse out the front of Wilson with 239 goals this season and 229 centre pass receives.
Karaka can pluck an intercept when her team needs it most, sitting sixth for intercepts (25), third for deflections (63) and fourth for rebounds (21).
Tip
Picking the Pulse by two last week did not work out too well. Mystics by three. They will want to send their captain off with the title and the connection between Toeava and Nweke is just too strong. (I would prefer the Stars to win — love an underdog — so let’s hope my curse continues).
