Jamaicans Latanya Wilson and Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard are, no doubt, two of the most influential figures heading into the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball Finals this weekend, and if history has taught us anything, it is that big players deliver in big moments.

Both women have shown they were built for the spotlight, and if their form during the regular season is anything to go by, the rest of the finals field should be on high alert.

Wilson and her Adelaide Thunderbirds unit will square off against Melbourne Vixens in the minor semi-final at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday. Victory for the two-time reigning champions would book them a date with the loser of Sunday's major semi-final between Fowler-Nembhard's West Coast Fever and NSW Swifts.

The winner of the Fever-Swifts clash will head straight to the grand final, scheduled for August 2 at Rod Laver Arena, while the preliminary final (Thunderbirds or Vixens vs Fever or Swifts) is set for July 25 at a venue to be confirmed.

Latanya Wilson greets fans. (Photos: Getty Images)

Wilson has grown tremendously over the years and is now rated as one of the biggest game changers in World Netball. When opposition teams see the dynamic defender's name on the team sheet, it should be enough to make them nervous. A ball-winner, elusive, and unrelenting, Wilson has been a shining light for the Thunderbirds, particularly in a season that saw star teammate Shamera Sterling-Humphrey step away due to pregnancy.

The 24-year-old did not just fill a gap, but she elevated her game to league-best status. Widely regarded as the top defender in the competition, Wilson’s ability to anticipate play, disrupt attacking structures, and create turnovers has been unmatched. She racked up a staggering 95 deflections and 40 intercepts across the home and away season—averaging 6.7 and 2.8 per game, respectively, both league-leading figures.

Her growing partnership with Matilda Garrett has added a new dimension to the Thunderbirds’ defence. Garrett’s lockdown pressure has allowed Wilson the freedom to hunt the ball and dominate contests in a way that hardly seemed possible, even for a player of her calibre.

Wilson is known as a big-game player, and with the Thunderbirds chasing an historic three-peat, she is ready to lead the charge.

Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard

And what can be said about Fowler-Nembhard, the Fever’s unstoppable force? Despite playing two fewer games than most of her peers, Fowler-Nembhard reminded the world exactly why she is still the most dominant shooter in netball. Since returning in Round Three, following a personal tragedy, she has been flawless—and so has her team, who have not lost a match since her comeback.

Fowler-Nembhard has poured in 724 goals this season, as she heads the league for an astonishing eighth straight year, and her efficiency remains almost robotic, converting at 97 percent. She is the Fever’s engine, metronome, and spark all in one, capable of settling nerves or electrifying the crowd with her clutch shooting.

Kate Maloney

Her presence alone alters defensive strategies, and in finals netball, that level of control is priceless. In fact, she does not just make shots—she makes statements. Whether it is a buzzer-beater or a high-pressure finish, Fowler-Nembhard lives for the big stage.

With Wilson shutting down attacks at one end and Fowler-Nembhard dismantling defences at the other, Jamaica’s finest are set to shape the narrative of this year’s Super Netball Finals.

However, they are not alone. While Wilson and Fowler-Nembhard headline the list of players to watch, other stars are also poised to shine under pressure.

Helen Housby

Vixens captain Kate Moloney, known for her relentless drive and leadership, is crucial to any hopes of a Melbourne fairytale finish. She leads the league in pick-ups and is among the best in feeds and centre-pass receives, stats that represent a picture of consistency and tenacity.

Then there is Helen Housby, the Swifts’ firestarter whose finals pedigree is undeniable. While her role has shifted slightly this season, her stats remain elite. Housby sits third in assists and fourth in feeds with attempts, and she is still the reigning queen of the super shot with 60 two-pointers.

The England star's flair, confidence, and ability to rise on the biggest occasions make her a weapon no team can ignore.