Match preview: Vixens vs Firebirds

While it takes courage to front up after a loss, it has been the fearless mentality of the Vixens that has particularly shone through this season, after back-to-back defeats and constant disappointment.

With only 48 hours between the final two matches, the Vixens’ leading goaler, Mwai Kumwenda is hoping to take the positives from last night’s game into their round 14 clash with the Queensland Firebirds on Wednesday night.

“Last night’s game, it was a hard game. We started very well but we didn’t finish good - we didn’t do our job,” Kumwenda said.

“We kept our ball possession at the start, and we did some very good things, but we just misplaced some of our passes so that didn’t help us.

“Emily played very well. She has very long arms and can jump at the ball. I wish that the ball she got, we could just shoot it for her at the other end of the court.

“She’s one of the best defenders in SSN so she’ll be definitely getting the balls tomorrow against the Firebirds’ tall shooter, Romelda.”

The Firebirds have undergone a season with mixed reviews but have shown great potential against some big sides. Yet, the Vixens were able to overcome the home team in round 5 after defeating the Queenslanders by only two goals throughout SSN’s Indigenous Round.

While we will be searching for win number three and an opportunity to head back home with some pride, the Firebirds will also be motivated to finish off their season with a bang, as they too are unable to make finals.

“When preparing for the game, I’m not thinking too much about what the Firebirds will bring to us, because last time we played them, we won. It was our game.

“I don’t think we need to focus too much on them, we just need to focus on ourselves. We just need to look after the ball, play short and sharp because when we lose possession, we know that it’s hard for our defenders to get the ball again.

“Rudi [Ellis] is a more physical player. I used to train with her when she was at the Vixens. The more I move and be strong there, I think I can be good for the team.”

Watch from afar and you will witness the fierce character of which is captain Kate Moloney. Experience her quarter time huddles and inspiring speeches and you too will be fuelled with the spark required to put your body on the line for your team.

“Kate [Moloney] has been great this year. She’s a good leader as a player. She just wants to win so she brings the energy to the team, and she wants everyone to do well.

“I like her voice when she keeps talking to us across the court because it helps us and lifts up the team.”

While her fellow midcourter, Hannah Mundy, who has filled the shoes of long-time Vixens champion, Lizzy Watson, has continued to show her strength as the weeks go on – proving she can battle it out with the best.

“I like playing with Hannah. She’s still young and she’s learning but she brings a good energy to the group. I love playing with her. She’s learning and is a very aggressive player for such a young age.”

The Vixens will battle the Firebirds tomorrow night in their final game of the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball season. The game will be played at 6.30pm, and viewers can catch all the action live 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.