After 14 weeks and more than 60 games, the final four have been found. The Melbourne Vixens will host the Northern Mystics in the major ANZ Championship semifinal, and the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic will be at its home base in Hamilton for the minor semifinal against the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Netball writer Adrian Seconi takes a look at the clashes.
Major semifinal
Vixens v Mystics
July 8, Rod Laver
Arena, Melbourne
Key players: For the Northern Mystics, shooter Cathrine Latu has been unerring in her accuracy and classy centre Temepara George is the master at controlling the tempo of a game. The home side will look to outstanding English defender Geva Mentor and speedy midcourter Madison Browne to create pressure and build momentum.
Last meeting: The Mystics upset the Melbourne Vixens 49-45 in Melbourne, thanks to some help from the now infamous Harrison Hoist.
Crystal ball: A lot will hinge on whether Mystics defender Anna Harrison recovers from her calf complaint. She made a telling impact in the four-goal win in round eight and has been inspirational. Latu rarely misses and the Vixens will be keen to keep the ball out of her hands. Expect a big game from Mentor.
Our pick: Vixens by three.
Minor semifinal
Magic v Thunderbirds
July 9
Claudelands Arena, Hamilton
Key players: Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic shooter Irene van Dyk might be 40 but she is still as accurate as ever and Leana de Bruin and Casey Williams form a formidable defensive unit. Adelaide Thunderbirds shooter Carla Borrego is the second-leading goal scorer in the competition and Natalie von Bertouch is a quality centre.
Last meeting: The Magic made light work of the 2010 champion with a comprehensive 59-42 win in round 13 in Tauranga.
Crystal ball: The Magic has won its past nine games to make the playoffs and should have the advantage at home.
The Thunderbirds will need to be a lot better than their weak performance in round 13 but have been one of the more consistent sides. It is almost too close to call.
Our pick: Magic by one.
