Match preview: Vixens vs Fever

With promises to finish the Suncorp Super Netball season in a condensed format, the team and their support staff have learned over this tumultuous time that change is inevitable, and you must be prepared for scenario A, B and C – or even D.

Vixens defender, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, who is arguably in career-best form albeit a challenging year for the team, said the players have adapted well and are remaining positive.

“It’s been a crazy 24 hours. The vibe in the team has been good. We have had a lot of experience in packing up our stuff and relocating, so we are doing okay,” Dehaney said.

“Throughout everything that is happening, and leaving Melbourne and Adelaide to come to Brisbane, I feel like we are more comfortable in Brisbane. Among the group the vibe is definitely positive, and it helps that this situation isn’t new to us.”

After falling to Victorian rivals, Collingwood Magpies on the weekend by only 4 goals, the Vixens walked away with plenty of ‘what-ifs’ – in what could have been a game that saw them claim their third win for the season.

“I would definitely agree that the Collingwood game was a missed opportunity for a win. As a group we’re very disappointed in our performance because we spoke about that 60 minutes of hard pressure over the whole game.

“In the first half, we saw the cracks come out in Collingwood that we had spoken about, as we pushed hard in the beginning to expose them.

“The cracks were definitely there, but we just couldn’t produce that pressure on Collingwood for the entire 60 minutes.

The Vixens will now face West Coast Fever tonight at Nissan Arena, with an atmosphere that will replicate the 2020 SSN Grand Final, although with an empty stadium the team will be searching for motivation elsewhere.

“Heading into the game tonight, we’re definitely focused on playing a full 60 minute contest. That’s been lacking all season. Not just a normal 60 minutes, but applying all the pressure defensively, through attack and from goal shooter down.

“From that first whistle, we want to bring that pressure in the first five minutes to match Fever’s speed. Even when we won the Lightning game, we dropped off a quarter. We just need to play consistent netball.”

With the season nearing the end, it is anyone’s guess as to how it will all play out. The Vixens are on their toes ready to jump at their next hurdle, but for now will take it one game at a time.

“After the Fever game we have three rounds to go. At the moment everything changes every minute, every hour, so we just have to wait and see what the go is.”

Having only had four home games with Vixens members in the stands, the team is missing the support more than ever, but is fully aware of the devotion and encouragement they are receiving from back home.

“To our lovely members and family back home, we just want to say we hope everyone is keeping safe, and we want to reassure to everyone that our membership team is working hard to make sure your 2021 membership benefits are fulfilled.

“We don’t forget anyone, just hang in there, bear with us and be patient. The membership team are working 24/7 to get you your full benefits, and we cannot wait to be reunited with you all again.

“Thank you for your incredible support from afar, we appreciate every single one of you. Stay safe, and don’t forget go Vix!”

The Vixens will battle Fever tonight at Nissan Arena in Brisbane. You can watch live from 7.30pm on Telstra TV via the Netball Live app. You can subscribe to the Netball Live app via the Apple app store or the Google Play store for $1.99 per week, $3.99 per month or $7.49 per quarter. New users can enjoy a two week trial of the app for free.