Vixens star as Constellation Cup returns to Australian soil

The Constellation Cup showcases one of netball’s fiercest rivalries, with this year's matches hosted at John Cain Arena in Melbourne, Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, then Globox Arena in Hamilton and finishing off at Christchurch's Wolfbrook Arena.

With the series level at two wins apiece after the final test, the Diamonds had to win in series decider time; a new format saw the sides play two seven-minute halves following the fourth test.

Three Vixens were crucial in the Diamonds' success, with Kate Moloney named player of the match in Melbourne and Sophie Garbin (1000 international goals) and Kiera Austin (500 international goals) both reaching major milestones during the series to make the win even sweeter.

A strong 69-52 win in the first test marked the Diamonds’ highest ever score against the Silver Ferns, including a dominant 24-goal final quarter from Garbin and Austin.

The home side stormed to another 17-goal win in game two, but the tables turned across the ditch in front of a strong New Zealand home crowd in game three, setting up the final match as the decider.

Despite the Silver Ferns winning the fourth test by five goals to level the series, the Diamonds were the better side in series decider time and played out a composed 11-12 win to reclaim the Cup.

With the series now concluded, here’s how our Vixens performed:

KIERA AUSTIN
Minutes played: 196 minutes
Key stats: 85/103, 53 feeds, 43 goal assists, 50 centre pass receives.
Austin was exceptional in the first test, producing 27 goals and 19 feeds to thrill the John Cain Arena crowd. Her chemistry with Vixens teammate Garbin was on show throughout the series, Garbin's dominance at the post giving Austin the freedom to unleash her dynamic movement and court craft around the circle. The goal attack also racked up the centre pass receives, playing a vital playmaking role in the Diamonds' structure and connecting cleanly with her feeders - particularly Moloney - around circle edge, while shooting freely from range.

SOPHIE GARBIN
Minutes played: 220 minutes
Key stats: 132/150, 24 feeds, 13 rebounds, 32 second phase receives.
Garbin led the Diamonds from the front, her strength at the post and timing on her holds and drives consistently offering her midcourt an option. She was unstoppable in the opening test, sealing 42 goals from 45 attempts in a 60-minute performance. Garbin shot at 87% accuracy throughout the series, and kept the Silver Ferns defenders' heads turning across all four tests as she mixed up her movement - her footwork and ability to create space for her teammates proving as much a threat as her elevation and strength on the hold.

KATE MOLONEY
Minutes played: 248 minutes
Key stats: 67 goal assists, 126 feeds, 10 pickups.
The newly-appointed Diamonds vice captain brought the consistency and intensity in the midcourt in every test, playing close to every minute of the series. Moloney was a driving force, showcasing her endurance and composure in her trademark style, including a player of the match performance at John Cain Arena where she racked up 22 goal assists and 34 feeds. She was outstanding in the clutch series decider overtime period, delivering a remarkable 12 feeds, five second phase receives and a gain in 14 crucial minutes of netball.

With the South Africa series and Constellation Cup now complete, the Diamonds’ 2025 international season has concluded.

The Vixens athletes in the Diamonds squad will take a period of leave before returning to the Vixens’ environment in preparation for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season.

2026 Melbourne Vixens memberships are now on sale