Match Preview | SSN Minor Semi Final

THE MATCH

West Coast Fever vs Melbourne Vixens
Sunday 25 June, 4pm AEST
RAC Arena | Lands of the Whadjuk Noongar People

HOW TO WATCH

Can’t make it to the game? Tune in live on Foxtel and free on Kayo Sports Freebies (Australia), Spark Sport (New Zealand) or NetballAustralia.TV (everywhere else).

LAST TIME THEY MET

Round 8, 2023
Vixens (74) defeated Fever (73) at John Cain Arena

WHAT TO EXPECT

Both home and away matches between the two sides were decided by just a single goal in 2023, and with the season on the line, expect each team to come out firing in this do-or-die clash.

The Vixens will be keen to correct their recent record at RAC Arena, having not secured a victory in Perth since Round 10, 2022.

The Vixens goalers shone in their most recent meeting at John Cain Arena, with Kiera Austin named player of the match with an incredible full-court performance. MJ Kumwenda will be looking to continue her signature composure and consistency under the post to keep the scoreline ticking over for the visitors.

Expect coach Simone McKinnis to call upon her squad’s depth in defence, mixing up the defensive combinations to quell the Fever’s fierce attack. Liv Lewis’ elevation and movement against tall shooters continues to impress, while Kate Eddy has shown her versatility both at circle edge and in goal defence.

With dynamic duo Emily Mannix and Jo Weston both in fine form, McKinnis will be spoilt for choice in defence; the Vixens coach is sure to have several strategies to disrupt the connection to Fever’s star goaler Jhaniele Fowler.

ONE TO WATCH

Kate Moloney celebrated her 150th national league game in the Vixens’ last match against the Fever, and was integral to her side’s success. Working in tandem with fellow co-captain Liz Watson, her consistent movement and steady drives created space for Liz throughout the match, who then delivered her feeds with pinpoint accuracy. They will need to recreate that connection to quell the impact of Fever’s in-form midcourt duo of Jess Anstiss and Alice Teague-Neeld.

THE NUMBER

103: Hannah Mundy has shown her ability to turn a game on its head in recent weeks, having amassed 103 goal assists in just under six games’ worth of time on court this year. Her powerful feeds and connection to MJ under the post have seen her excel in wing attack. Having played just 15 minutes against the Fever in Round 1, Simone McKinnis could call on her signature energy and pace to shake things up in the midcourt.

WHAT’S ON THE LINE

There’s no second chances for the Vixens or Fever, with the result of Sunday’s match deciding who will claim a spot in the preliminary final next Saturday and whose season will come to a close.

#VixensUnleashed