It will feel like deja vu this Sunday, when the Bull Sharks line up to take on table toppers, the Cougars for the start of the netball finals season at Nissan Arena. Our Sapphire squad will be looking for a different result to how the game closed out last weekend, with the women just falling short by six points.
Win and their guaranteed a berth in the Grand Final – their first ever. A loss will see them need to take the long way around.
Sapphire v Cougars in a Semi Final at Nissan Arena
Last time they met
Round 14 at Nissan Arena
Bull Sharks lost 79-73
The opposition
It feels like groundhog day, facing Cougars again so soon after our last encounter.
The challenge
Cougars defensive style, both through court and in the circle, is uncontrolled and undisciplined. They are also very vocal with their ‘sledging’. Our job is to stay in our bubble, focus on what we do best, and not let it affect us. With their high penalty count, we must capitalise when they’re sidelined.
Shuffling the magnets
We’ll be at full strength, which allows us to go in with flexibility and confidence.
Ones to watch
This is a true squad game — all 10 players have a role to play in this contest.
The focus
- Discipline in both attack and defence.
- Executing our game plan and holding strong under pressure.
- Setting the tone with a strong defensive start, making them work harder to transition through court.
Final word
I’m so proud of this team for earning the chance to play in a major semi-final. We are structured, disciplined, and united, and the success so far has been the reward for their hard work and commitment to one another. Now it’s about taking it one game at a time and embracing the challenge ahead.
With Rebecca Stower