Major Semi Final preview | Thunderbirds vs Vixens

THE MATCH
Adelaide Thunderbirds vs Melbourne Vixens
Sunday 21 July, 2pm AEST
Adelaide 36ers Arena | Kaurna Land

THE TEAM
Kiera Austin (VC)
Kate Eddy
Rudi Ellis
Sophie Garbin
Lily Graham
Emily Mannix
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, Foxtel or BINGE (Australia), or via Netball Pass (international).

LAST TIME THEY MET
Round 12, 2026
Thunderbirds (61) defeated Vixens (42) at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

WHAT TO EXPECT
There will be plenty on the line when the Vixens and Thunderbirds meet in this year's Major Semi Final. The two sides also crossed paths in the 2025 Minor Semi Final, where the Vixens prevailed before going on to claim the Championship.

After falling short against the Thunderbirds in Round 12, the Vixens will be eager to turn the tables when the two sides meet again with a place in the Grand Final on the line. Adelaide enters the finals series after an impressive home-and-away campaign, but the Vixens can take confidence from their 56-50 victory over the Thunderbirds back in Round 6.

The Thunderbirds' defensive unit remains one of the competition's biggest strengths and will look to disrupt the Vixens' trademark attacking flow. The connection between Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin has been a key weapon throughout the season, and the pair will need to remain composed under pressure to limit the influence of Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and Matilda Garrett.

The Diamond duo have been a standout combination throughout the season, with Austin's vision and precision feeding complementing Garbin's strong hold and finishing ability under the post. If the pair can find their trademark timing and connection in attack, they will force the Thunderbirds' defence to work hard.

The battle through the midcourt will also be crucial to the outcome of the contest. Led by skipper Kate Moloney, the Vixens' midcourt group will need to work tirelessly to transition the ball from defence to attack and create clean opportunities for our shooters.

One of the biggest battles of the night will come under the post between Sophie Garbin and Shamera Sterling-Humphrey. Sterling-Humphrey led the league in defensive rebounds during the home-and-away season and will be looking to disrupt the Vixens' attacking rhythm at every opportunity.

At the other end of the court, Emily Mannix and Rudi Ellis will take on the challenge of containing Elmeré van der Berg, who finished the regular season as the league's leading goal scorer. But the Vixens boast one of the competition's most formidable defensive units, with Mannix, Ellis and Jo Weston combining their aerial presence, relentless pressure and ability to win ball back at crucial moments. Their connection and trust across the defensive third has been a cornerstone of the Vixens' success this season, and they'll be looking to apply pressure from the first whistle.

In a finals contest where every possession matters, the game could ultimately come down to which team protects its gained ball best. If the Vixens can bring their trademark intensity, relentless defensive pressure and slick ball movement, they'll give themselves every opportunity to take another step forward in their 2026 finals campaign.

THE NUMBER
14 - When the sides met in Round 12, Emily Mannix produced a standout performance with seven gains, five intercepts and two rebounds. She'll be looking to have a similar impact this weekend, using her elevation, timing and footwork to challenge van der Berg and create opportunities for her side.

ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.