Fowler-Nembhard Stars in Near-Perfect Display as Fever Cap Regular Season with 12th Straight Win
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard delivered a masterclass performance on Sunday, scoring a flawless 60 goals from 60 attempts and sealing the win with a dramatic super shot on the final buzzer, as the West Coast Fever closed their regular season in style with a dominant 71-60 victory over the Melbourne Vixens at RAC Arena.
The victory marked Fever’s 12th consecutive win of the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season, sending a clear message as they prepare to host the NSW Swifts in the Major Semi Final on Sunday, July 20.
A record crowd of 12,813 fans packed into RAC Arena and were treated to a vintage display from the Jamaican superstar, who remained unfazed despite relentless defensive attention from Vixens’ Rudi Ellis and Jo Weston. Fowler-Nembhard’s composure, trademark reach, and sheer accuracy were on full display, particularly during a first quarter where she nailed 14 goals to give Fever a narrow 15-14 edge.
While the Vixens stayed within reach early on, the home side began to stretch their lead in the second term thanks to slick midcourt work and a relentless defensive effort. Captain Jess Anstiss registered an intercept, while Jordan Cransberg’s intensity disrupted Vixen veteran Kate Moloney. In attack, Shanice Beckford was efficient and steady, contributing 13 feeds, 12 goal assists, and netting 5 goals from 5 attempts. Her link play and movement provided consistent options in the front third, complementing the flawless finishing of Fowler-Nembhard.
By halftime, Fever had extended their lead to 34-30, and in the third quarter they found another gear. Fran Williams locked down Sophie Garbin, producing missed shots, a rebound and a gain, while Zoe Cransberg repeatedly delivered pinpoint passes into Fowler-Nembhard, who was perfect once again for the term. The Fever entered the final break up 52-43.
The final quarter saw Sunday Aryang continue her sensational all-court performance with two gains, an intercept, a rebound, and a deflection, as the Fever pulled away to a 10-goal cushion. Alice Teague-Neeld capped her night with 37 feeds, 32 goal assists, and 25 centre pass receives, directing play with control and confidence.
There were telling contributions from across the court. Olivia Wilkinson chipped in with a super shot and two regular goals, while Kadie-Ann Dehaney, facing her former team, delivered six gains and an intercept to help stifle the Vixens’ attack.
But the night belonged to Fowler-Nembhard. With the clock ticking down and the Fever fans roaring, she nailed a long-range super shot on the siren to put the exclamation mark on another dominant outing—finishing with 60 goals from 60 attempts and one of three from super shot range.
It was a fairytale ending to a flawless regular season for the Fever and their talismanic shooter. They will now host the NSW Swifts at RAC Arena on Sunday, July 20 in what promises to be a blockbuster Major Semi Final.
