Jamaica’s Shimona Jok delivered a masterclass in finishing, as she nailed a flawless 61 from 61 to inspire Melbourne Mavericks to a commanding 71–64 win over the Queensland Firebirds in their Round Six Suncorp Super Netball League showdown at MyState Bank Arena on Saturday.

It was a defining night for the Mavericks, who not only snapped a two-game skid but also reignited their playoff push, as this second win of the season moved them into fifth on the ladder with eight points. They leapfrogged the Firebirds, who now occupy sixth after a fourth straight defeat.

Jok, the Mavericks' inaugural MVP and a cornerstone of the Mavericks' attacking unit, was unshakable under the post. Her perfect shooting display was the heartbeat of a Mavericks side that clicked from end to end, as they showed flashes of their early-season promise and proved they remain a dangerous force when in rhythm.

She found sturdy support in Sasha Glasgow, who chimed in with nine goals, including one from the super shot arc, along with 25 assists in a sharp return to form.

Melbourne Mavericks and Queensland Firebirds in action. (Photos: Getty Images).

The Firebirds asserted early control at the start, with Mary Cholhok, who had 33 goals from 44 attempts, making her presence felt in the circle, while Abigail Latu-Meafou, who had five from five in the circle and four from five supershot attempts, and Emily Moore (18 goals overall) provided early sparks. The visitors took an 18–15 edge before the Mavericks rallied to draw level by quarter time. while 

What followed was a second-quarter statement from the Mavericks.

Led by returning captain Amy Parmenter and defender Liv Lewis, who nullified the towering Cholhok with a gritty defensive effort, Melbourne outscored the Firebirds 18–12 in the second term. Lewis, despite a height disadvantage, blocked five of Cholhok’s attempts and disrupted the Firebirds’ attacking rhythm, helping Mavericks into a 36–30 half-time lead.

Firebirds coach Kiri Wills responded with tactical tweaks, deploying Abigail Latu-Meafou and Emily Moore in tandem to create a double super shot threat. But even with Latu-Meafou’s pinpoint shooting, the Firebirds could not dent the Mavericks' control.

In the third quarter, the Mavericks turned the screws. Their defensive intensity stifled Firebirds’ movement, while the seamless attacking flow, anchored by Glasgow’s vision and Jok’s ruthless finishing, extended the gap to double digits, as the Mavericks took a 53–46 lead into the final stanza.

The Firebirds showed late fight, as they won the last quarter 18–14 and attempted a late surge from the super shot zone, but the comeback was cut short as time ran out.