It's semifinal time in the ANZ Championship, meaning there are just three matches left in this year's campaign. The Northern Mystics and Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic are flying the New Zealand flag, but both face an uphill battle to qualify for the final. Netball writer Robert van Royen looks at the semifinal matchups.
FIREBIRDS V MYSTICS
Where: Brisbane.
When: Tomorrow, 2.18pm.
Form guide: The Queensland Firebirds have won all nine previous matches between the two sides and have not lost since week one (against the West Coast Fever) this year. Meanwhile, the Northern Mystics are coming off a home loss to the Magic in the New Zealand conference final, a result which sent them across the ditch to play the Firebirds instead of hosting a home semifinal against the Swifts.
Key players: Defender Laura Geitz is having another typically stellar year for the Firebirds. She is second only to Sharni Layton (Swifts) in intercepts (32) and pass deflections (82) this season, and is sure to make life difficult for Mystics shooters Cathrine Latu and Maria Tutaia. Mystics defenders Kayla Cullen and Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick will need to play out of their skins against Romelda Aiken, who has scored the third-most goals (558) in the competition.
The tip: Firebirds by seven goals.
MAGIC V SWIFTS
Where: Hamilton.
When: Tomorrow, 7.10pm.
Form guide: While the New South Wales Swifts head into the match coming off a loss to the Firebirds in the Australian conference final, they will fancy their chances against the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic, a team they beat 48-43 in Tauranga earlier in the season. Despite winning just five games during the regular season, the Magic was crowned New Zealand conference champion when it beat the Mystics 57-54 in Auckland on Monday night. The Magic is the only remaining team in the playoffs with a losing record, but has played more playoff games than any other team in the competition. If experience counts for anything, the Magic may have a chance.
Key players: Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua is not long back from injury, but having her available to defend the dangerous shooting partnership of Caitlin Thwaites and Susan Pettitt can only help. The battle in the midcourt should be interesting, with Magic youngsters Jamie-Lee Price and Samantha Sinclair up against the likes of Kimberlee Green and Paige Hadley.
The tip: Swifts by two goals.
