The Melbourne Mavericks have cemented their position inside the Super Netball top four, overcoming the NSW Swifts in a gripping 62-60 victory.
After losing to the Swifts in an enthralling 70-69 encounter in round two, the Mavericks looked set to replicate a similar scoreline at John Cain Arena on Saturday.
Melbourne were down by a single goal with less than two minutes remaining after a frantic final quarter, but Swifts' goal shooter Grace Nweke coughed up a turnover and the Mavericks capitalised.
Needing a goal to secure victory, former Swift Maddie Hay stepped up and took a spectacular touch off a looping NSW ball to clinch the win, much to the delight of the Melbourne crowd.
Victory moves the Mavericks (4-4) one win clear inside the top four with six rounds remaining.
Defender Jessie Grenvold continued her dazzling form after taking over from Tara Hinchliffe (knee injury) on April 4, grabbing five gains and four intercepts as she piled the pressure on Nweke.
Despite missing part of the clash with sickness, Hay was instrumental with 25 feeds and 21 goal assists, while goal shooter Shimona Nelson nailed 57 goals from 60 shots.
"I could kiss Maddie Hay, oh, my god, that was incredible. We just needed one more touch, and she delivered for the team," Grenvold said.
"I'm just proud of all the girls. We've been working so hard on fighting through the games and learning how to win, and I just feel like we absolutely showed that out there tonight."
Victory would have parachuted NSW (2-6) firmly into the finals conversation and put them equal with the Mavericks on points, but they couldn't hold on.
Centre Maddy Proud was prolific, posting 27 feeds and 17 goal assists, while young gun Grace Whyte landed four Super Shots along with 29 feeds and 19 goal assists.
Both teams exchanged goals in the first three quarters, but the Swifts went on a damaging run early in the third period to lead by one point at three-quarter time.
The lead changed hands several times in the final quarter, but the Mavericks stayed composed to secure victory.
