West Coast Fever have now confirmed their spot in the final four with a 69-65 goal win against the Sunshine Coast Lightning and Head Coach Dan Ryan spoke post-game of how his team were tracking.
Saturday’s win was close, Fever held a strong lead until a second half surge saw Lightning close the margin to just three goals with three minutes left on the clock. Fever were just able to hold their nerve and hold off the attack to secure all four points.
Ryan said his team were forced to work hard for the win, and while it wasn’t a perfect performance, they showed plenty of grit.
“Today there were still a few gaps in our performance but I think our ability just to find a way to get it done was great,” he said.
“It wasn’t the cleanest or the most clinical performance by any stretch of the imagination, but at this point in the season, finding a way to win under pressure is the most important.
During the game, Jhaniele Fowler solidified her place as one of the competition’s greatest as she became the first player to 5,000 SSN Goals. Ryan said having a player like Fowler on the team makes a huge difference.
“She’s incredible at what she does and to notch up that amount in this competition is outstanding,” he said.
“Jhaniele will be the first to praise all of the people that put the ball in her hand to take those shots but she is the best in the game for a reason, and this is just another milestone in a long list of accolades.”
The game also saw Alice Teague-Neeld bring up her 100th National League appearance. The Wing Attack has transformed her game in the West and leads the competition in Goal Assists and Centre Pass Receives.
Ryan said Teague-Neeld’s ability to adapt her game and be a team leader was vital.
“It’s great to see Alice really enjoying her netball and thriving as a wing attack and stepping up as a great, influential leader in our team,” he said.
“I thought she played a really big role tonight and she has all season.
“For her to notch up 100 games and get a win on the board is really pleasing for her and the team.”
10,764 people came to watch the game, a Fever home and away season record, and Ryan said the Green Army’s support meant a lot to the team.
“The support we’ve had in all of our home games has been amazing,” he said.
“The crowd was amazing today and to see the back row again full was just outstanding, our supporters are always brilliant.
“Hopefully they enjoyed the win today and seeing us back on the winners list.”
With Fever winning and Giants losing the team in Dan Ryan’s side will feature in finals along with the Swifts, Thunderbirds and Vixens.
Both the Thunderbirds and Vixens faltered in their games over the weekend meaning Fever slot into third between them, just two points away from a top two spot and a home semi-final.
Ryan said he is preparing for any possibility in the final two weeks of games but wants to keep his side’s focus on the games ahead.
“The last two rounds are going to be really hairy and really scary, you never know what can happen,” he said.
“Things can change very very quickly, but from our perspective we just need to make sure our eyes are firmly fixed on our own backyard and making sure that we can get the job done.”
Fever will take on the Giants on Sunday 11 June at RAC Arena as they pursue for a top two spot.
Grab a seat at Fever’s final home game of the season with tickets are available from Ticketek
Article By Oliver Lane