West Coast Fever happy to be Super Netball underdogs ahead of major semifinal against Melbourne Vixens

Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
Camera IconWest Coast Fever coach Dan Ryan says Fever are embracing the underdog tag. Credit: James Worsfold/Getty Images

West Coast Fever are embracing the underdog tag as they prepare to tackle minor premiers Melbourne Vixens in the major semifinal at John Cain Arena on Saturday.

Vixens are Fever’s bogy team in 2022, the ladder leaders beating them twice this season on the back of dominant first quarters.

The winner of the major semifinal will qualify for the Super Netball grand final, which will be played in front of close to 13,000 fans at RAC Arena regardless of the result after Netball Australia sold it to the WA Government in a deal believed to be worth $500,000.

Fever coach Dan Ryan said his side was being driven by the fact they hadn’t played well enough against Vixens this season, losing by nine and six goals respectively.

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“I don’t think many people are giving us a real chance in this one, I think a lot of people will be backing Vixens,” he said.

“We’re comfortable in the underdog position. I think that’s where our focus and our drive sits.

“We know we have something very dangerous and powerful in this group and no better time to pull it out than in a major semifinal. We’re ready for it and we’re hopeful we can put out some of our best netball across the game.”

Vixens’ success against Fever has come on the back of their ability to put pressure on their front half of the court.

Camera IconMelbourne Vixens shooter Mwai Kumwenda competes with West Coast Fever defenders Courtney Bruce and Sunday Aryang for the ball. Credit: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Fever’s centre pass to goal percentage was just 73 and 72 in their two clashes against Vixens, well down on their season average of 78.

Ryan said a lot of their issues forward of centre came in their opening quarters when they’d conceded 23 goals to Vixens on each occasion.

“We’ve had to chase scorelines early against the Vixens and it’s a tough position to be in because they don’t provide you many opportunities to come back into a game because they don’t give the ball away easily,” Ryan said.

“We know where their strengths of defence lies and it’s certainly across their transverse lines. Our work rate across that area of the court needs to be high.

“More importantly, if we’re going to have a chance in this game we need to start well and be in and around the mark, performing at a stable quality in the first 15 minutes. And if we can do that then we know we’re in with a great opportunity.”

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