Match Preview | SSN Round 13

THE MATCH

Melbourne Vixens vs Collingwood Magpies
Monday 12 June, 1pm AEST
John Cain Arena | Wurundjeri Country

HOW TO WATCH

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

LAST TIME THEY MET

Round 2, 2023

Vixens (62) defeated Magpies (61) at John Cain Arena

WHAT TO EXPECT

With just two home and away games left to play in the 2023 season, the Vixens have locked in their place in the final four, but the battle for the right to host a final continues.

On the King’s Birthday holiday, the Vixens will bid farewell to cross-town rivals the Collingwood Magpies in their final ever Victorian Derby.

With several heart-stopping clashes over the years, expect nothing less than another epic battle between the sides on Monday afternoon, who have a history of tight tussles and edge-of-your-seat finishes.

Collingwood’s Jodi-Ann Ward leads the competition in intercepts with 35, and is one of the most athletic players to don the goal defence bib. It will be up to Kiera Austin to capitalise on defensive opportunities of her own, and work with MJ Kumwenda to create opportunities under the post.

The Pies’ Shimona Nelson was unstoppable in her side’s Round 12 win over the Thunderbirds, shooting 44 goals at 100% accuracy. It may take a combination of the in-form 100-gamer Emily Mannix and the aerial ability of Liv Lewis to keep a lid on Nelson’s volume.

ONE TO WATCH

Hannah Mundy is in career-best form, putting her stamp on the competition last week with a phenomenal performance against the Firebirds. Finishing the match with 111.5 Nissan Net Points, 46 feeds and 28 goal assists, coach Simone McKinnis is spoilt for choice in her midcourt combinations.

THE NUMBER

92%: MJ Kumwenda has been a rock for the Vixens under the post, shooting at 92% accuracy in her last five matches. She’ll need to stand tall against the Magpies’ defensive duo of Geva Mentor and Jodi-Ann Ward, who are both sitting at 15 rebounds for the season.

THE RACE TO FINALS

The Vixens have secured their place in finals, but their final rank on the ladder is still up in the air. To climb higher than fourth, the team in navy must triumph in both their remaining matches and rely on other results falling their way. If the Thunderbirds or Fever stumble, the Vixens could rise to second or third and earn themselves a second chance or a home semi final.

#VixensUnleashed