Coaches split on grand final prediction
Only a brave woman, or man, could confidently tip the winner of Friday's National netball league grand final in Sydney between the Sydney Swifts and Melbourne Phoenix.
SportsTAB had both teams paying $1.85 to win, while a straw poll of league coaches was equally equivocal.
The Swifts beat the Phoenix twice this year - 51-38 in round five, in Sydney, and 45-44 in a semi final, in Melbourne.
The Phoenix only rose once over the Swifts, 53-46 in round nine, in Melbourne.
Third-placed Adelaide Thunderbirds coach Marg Angove said the Phoenix's almost flawless form would be its strength, but the Swifts' had improved.
"I don't think there's a chink in their (Phoenix's) armour ... but the Swifts centre court has got heaps stronger," Angove said.
Canberra AIS Darters coach Norma Plummer could pick the Swifts if they raise their shooting percentage, but "will probably go for Phoenix".
The Melbourne team was also favoured by Perth Orioles coach Carol Byers, but only marginally.
"The Phoenix are probably just a bit more of a complete team at this stage," Byers said.
However, the Swifts' home court advantage could be enough to push it over the line with a record crowd expected at the Superdome.
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