The preliminary round of the Suncorp Super Netball League in Australia comes to a close this weekend with teams comprising seven of the eight Jamaicans playing in the competition and chasing victories to solidify their place on the table and boost their post-season ambitions.

Only goal percentage separates the top three teams – Adelaide Thunderbirds, Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever – heading into the 14th and final round while Sunshine Coast Lightning and Melbourne Mavericks, the two teams fighting to secure fourth place and final playoff spot, also tied on 24 points.

Leading the table on 40 points are defending champions Adelaide Thunderbirds who include the trio of Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Latanya Wilson and Romelda Aiken-George.

The in-form Thunderbirds who are also undefeated at home entertain 4th place Sunshine Coast Lightning at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Sunday.

Victory sees them topping the standings and being crowned minor premiers which guarantees a place in the major semi-finals.

It also leaves the door open for a Melbourne Mavericks team, featuring Shimona Jok, to finish above the Lightning and claim the final playoff spot with victory on the road against the West Coast Fever at RAC Arena in Perth.

The Fever, who include the Jhaniele Fowler-Nemhard, Shanice Beckford and Kadie-Ann Dehaney, are third on goal percentage and must better the result of the second place Melbourne Vixens – who face the Queensland Firebirds – by at least 12 goals in order to finish second on the standings.

The other game on the day sees Jodi-Ann Ward turning out for Giants Netball against Sydney rivals NSW Swifts at Ken Rosewall Arena.