Netball Super League | Greenway: Where the Grand Final could be won and lost

The 2024 Netball Super League Grand Final will see defending champions Loughborough Lightning take on four-time winners Manchester Thunder.

In a repeat of the 2022 Grand Final, the top two sides in the regular season will now fight it out to get their hands on the trophy at Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena on Saturday.

Both sides have one win against the other in the regular season to only add to the intrigue for what is set to be a blockbuster encounter.

Ahead of Saturday’s showpiece, we caught up with Sky Netball’s expert analyst Tamsin Greenway to pick out the key things to look out for.

Options in attack

One of the most impressive things about Manchester Thunder is their genuine depth.

Karen Greig has built the luxury of being able to make real tactical changes at any time, even when things are going well – and that is a huge credit to her and Thunder.

An early birthday present for Elmerè van der Berg 🎁

A gift of a pass from @loisepearson_x for the @thundernetball shooter and she adds another to her team’s tally ➕#NSL2024 | #SeeUsNow pic.twitter.com/gai0em7Bj5

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) April 7, 2024

On Saturday, this could be most important in attack. We have seen Thunder regularly switch between a target shooter in Elmere van der Berg and a moving circle of Paige Reed and Lois Pearson.

Both Van der Berg and Reed are going to have a big role to play and how they handle it, particularly coming on and off which isn’t easy as a shooter, will be a key factor.

Smith can shine

For Lightning, I think Nicola Smith has a key role to play.

It was never going to be easy coming in and trying to replace Fran Williams, but she has grown into her first season in the UK.

I was really impressed with how she performed against Severn Stars on the final day of the season as well as in the semi-final against Pulse. She has been getting better and better.

Queen behaviour 🤝 Nicola Smith#NSL2024 | @LboroLightning pic.twitter.com/VTA0kCc9H8

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 25, 2024

If she can bring the best out of Beth Cobden and Alice Harvey and allow them to win lots of ball, it will provide a big platform for Lightning to build from.

Key Match-Up: Beth Cobden v Nat Metcalf

Perhaps this is too obvious, but I can’t wait to see these two go up against each other.

Beth Cobden showed that she is back to her very best with a Player of the Match performance against London Pulse in the semi-final.

She won ball at crucial times and provided important leadership in the defensive end.

Defending on the circle edge: A masterclass 🤩

👏 Incredible defensive work from @Npanagarry. #NSL2024 l @lborolightning pic.twitter.com/swyCuYA8Hg

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 22, 2024

How she measures up against Nat Metcalf could go a long way to determining the outcome of the match.

We know that so much of what Thunder do in the attack end goes through Metcalf, so if Cobden and Lightning can find a way to stop that, then they could be onto something.

How they do that is easier said than done. Do you try and shut her down? Do you let her have the ball and isolate other people? We’ll have to wait and see.

Element of surprise

Manchester Thunder will probably go in as favourites because of what they have shown in the regular season.

For Lightning to gain the upper hand, it could be a case of producing that element of surprise that is almost impossible for opponents to plan for.

That is where I think Rhea Dixon will be key. What she does in the circle for Lightning has been huge this season, and if she steps up on Saturday it will give her side a huge chance of getting their hands on the trophy.

Dixon from the deep 🤩

💥 A huge ball from Rhea Dixon finds Mary Cholhok in the circle, as @lborolightning secure their win against @thundernetball. #NSL2024 l #SeeUsNow pic.twitter.com/1Kq9GHRFLD

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) March 23, 2024

It is a big ask, because she has to put up enough goals to remain a threat as well being a playmaker and creator for Mary Cholhok, who we know is a goal machine.

Josie Huckle and Shadine van der Merwe have been very smart with how they have worked
the circle this year, with some of their long switches, so Lightning’s answer to that will be important.

Who can handle the pressure?

These are two teams who are used to the big occasion, so it could all come down to who gives you that little bit of magic in the key moments.

Thunder have a great blend of youth and experience, with the likes of Nat Metcalf and Imogen Allison providing leadership on court, while Kerry Almond has seen it all in the Netball Super League.

It will be a first Grand Final for some of the squad but most were involved in last year’s third-place finish, and although that hurt Thunder, they will be stronger for the experience.

The way they retained most of their squad, made a few tweaks and bounced back has been very impressive.

Weather report: we’re in for a scorcher in Birmingham 🔥

💥 A re-match of the 2022 final is on the cards as @thundernetball will take on @lborolightning in a bid to become champions, while @SevernStars will battle @Pulse_netball for third place.#NSL2024 l #SeeUsNow

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 22, 2024

As a club, they have been in the mix on countless occasions and will know exactly what is needed for the big stage. But the big stage needs big moments, whether that be a brave tactic or a fearless play this will be key to pulling away from the reigning champions.

The same can also be said for Lightning, whose squad is teeming with Grand Final experience. Most of their starting seven on Saturday already have a winners medal, if not two, and that will hold them in good stead.

The leadership from the likes of Nat Panagarry and Hannah Joseph will be key in settling those for whom this is a first final.

The 2022 defeat was a tough experience for many players, but again the experience they gained from that as well as coming from behind last year, will be invaluable. The element of surprise for them will have to come from some of the less-experienced finals players and if they can do that, they can retain the title.

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