Major Semi Final Preview | Thunderbirds vs Vixens

THE MATCH

Adelaide Thunderbirds vs Melbourne Vixens
Saturday 20 July, 5pm AEST
Adelaide 36ers Arena | Kaurna Land

THE TEAM

Kiera Austin
Kate Eddy
Rudi Ellis
Sophie Garbin
Lily Graham
Emily Mannix (VC)
Kate Moloney (C)
Hannah Mundy
Zara Walters
Jo Weston

HOW TO WATCH

Can’t make it to the game? Tune in live or on demand on Kayo Sports or Foxtel (Australia), or via Netball Pass (international).

LAST TIME THEY MET

Round 12, 2024
Thunderbirds (73) defeated Vixens (58) at Adelaide Entertainment Centre

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Vixens will be out for redemption against the minor premiers after a poor performance in Round 12 left Simone McKinnis’ team disappointed, but galvanised.

The Thunderbirds will look to repeat their defensive dominance but expect Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin to back themselves more this time around – they will have learned from the Round 12 loss and are bolstered by the hot hands of Lily Graham, should she be injected onto court. Watch for Kate Moloney to steer the ship in attack by dominating circle edge and taking the first option to open up the court.

Injuries have forced McKinnis to explore her side’s depth and versatility across the season – look for her to exploit her midcourt options with a combination of Zara Walters and Hannah Mundy at wing attack to keep Latanya Wilson and the Thunderbirds defence guessing. With goaler Georgie Horjus in strong playmaking form, McKinnis knows she can back in Jo Weston or Kate Eddy for a tagging role which could prove crucial to shutting down the Thunderbirds’ avenue to goal.

Adelaide 36ers Arena is an unfamiliar venue for both sides and whoever settles in first could find themselves with a big advantage. But as the finals netball rollercoaster approaches its summit, could it be another bag of Lily Graham super shots that decides the first grand finalist?

ONE TO WATCH

In a battle of next gen vs league legend, Rudi Ellis’ 190cm frame matches up well with Romelda Aiken-George, who stands at 196cm tall with an imposing wingspan – the ball-hungry defender will need her game smarts, fast feet and front positioning to make up for the centimetres lost. The Jamaican also shoots at 87% accuracy, averaging 4.9 rebounds per game – leaving the opportunities wide open for Ellis, who averages three gains and 1.1 rebounds. Aiken-George can be a powerhouse for the Thunderbirds, but with teammates like Emily Mannix, Weston and Eddy out the front, Ellis can go on the fly for any loose ball knowing they’re putting relentless pressure on the feed.

THE NUMBER

1: This is the first time we’ll play the Thunderbirds in a final in the Suncorp Super Netball era. The clash between the two legacy clubs will be one for the netball diehards who remember the days of Phoenix-Thunderbirds-Swifts dominance. The last semi final played between our clubs was in 2013, when the Thunderbirds went on to win the ANZ Championship. Their only ‘modern era’ finals clash before that was the 2009 ANZ Championship grand final, where Vixens triumphed 54-46.

JOIN THE HUNT

Can’t make it to Adelaide? Join us at The Crafty Squire and cheer your Vix on at our watch party! Find out more