Taking on a top three team, the Tasmanian Magpies, the Fury will be challenged this week as they enter the home stretch before beginning their finals campaign.
Two wins separate the two teams, with the Fury sitting on the top of the ladder and only two rounds to go. Last time they met, was in the last round before finals last season, with the Fury defeating the Magpies by 11 and a narrow 4 goals.
One of the youngest members of the team and an up and coming goaler for Fury, Uneeq Palavi says she is feeling both excited and nervous about the game.
“We’ve done a lot of training this week to prepare for the match, similar to other weeks…so we are all feeling confident and ready to give 100%,” Palavi said.
“The main focus this week has been to really play at our own strengths and remain united as a team. We need to continue to encourage one another and keep our heads up no matter what mistakes have been made.”
Defender Rudi Ellis also suggested that there has been a large focus this week on playing their own game.
“We know the Tasmania girls fairly well and how they play, but we want to focus more on how we play. Last night it was great to come together at training as a squad, as we haven’t had that opportunity much this year,” Ellis said.
“As a team I think we all know that this weekend will be a challenge and it should be an indication as to how far we have developed as a team and how we perform under pressure.”
“It was great to get the two wins over the weekend and being able to test out different combinations. However, the next two games against Tasmania will test us I’m sure, but we are looking forward to the challenge.”
After five long weekends of netball, Ellis said the team have made a big effort to look after themselves, on and off the court, making sure they are getting enough sleep, eating well and recovering properly.
“I think as a team, we are as prepared as we can be leading into the weekend after five solid rounds of ANL. Each round we have been able to build on combinations, passages of play and how we gel overall as a team. We’re really looking forward to the weekend.
Fury take on the Tasmanian Magpies at 3.00pm at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Sunday and follow the Vixens on Monday at 2.30pm at Melbourne Arena.
