The Sunshine Coast Lightning are packed full of superstars, but coach Noeline Taurua claims the team's true strength lies in their unity on the court and determination to create history off it.
The Lightning enter the bye week firmly placed in the top four after overcoming a tenacious NSW Swifts 55-50 in their round eight clash at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Sunday.
The Lightning showed composure and skill to upend a four-goal deficit at three-quarter-time and secure their sixth win of the season, placing them hot on the heels of competition frontrunners Giants Netball.
Featuring the world's best goal shooter, Diamonds star Caitlin Bassett, England veteran Geva Mentor, South Africa defender Karla Mostert and Silver Ferns legend Laura Langman, few expected less.
However, Taurua said the first half of the season had been an exercise in forming combinations, developing solidarity and creating the new club's identity.
"We don't have any history or anything like that, but we're definitely pulling on emotional heartstrings that we're creating history, I suppose," Taurua said.
"Every time we get out on court we're developing our own trademark. We're not getting too hooked up with things, just playing. It's a really good frame of mind to be in."
Taurua said the team's focus was "realistic".
"We know that there are some really good teams that we've got to be able to put it out on the scoreboard.
"I think at the moment we're a new club and we're just chipping away at things, getting our priorities right and just doing what we can do on the day and enjoying the moment, basically.
"We actually spoke about how our strength really is our collective. We get to a stage - it's quite interesting - when we're reflecting after a game, no one's really standing out, as such.
"Everyone's just doing their job. When we get into that frame of mind we're quite unstoppable.
"We've got some really big superstars but they're just like anybody else. They've got to work. It's about the integration and how it works in a unit. I think that's our strength and everyone just needs to bring their A-game and play."
The Lightning's next match is against the Adelaide Thunderbirds on April 22 before they face high-flying Melbourne Vixens the following round.
