Match Preview | SSN Round 4

THE MATCH

Melbourne Vixens vs Sunshine Coast Lightning

Saturday 8 April, 7pm AEST

John Cain Arena | Wurundjeri Country

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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 12, 2022

Vixens (64) defeated Lightning (60) at John Cain Arena

WHAT TO EXPECT

With a full-court team effort leading the Vixens to victory over GIANTS Netball last week, they'll be looking to snag a third consecutive win at John Cain Arena on Easter Saturday. Both teams sit on two wins for the season thus far, the Vixens sitting just one spot higher on the ladder on percentage. Coming off a 10-goal loss to the Thunderbirds last week, the Lightning will be hoping to re-join the winners list in Round 4.

The Vixens’ defensive end is in outstanding form; the return of Jo Weston, combining with Emily Mannix and Kate Eddy, wreaking havoc for opposition attack ends. The trio will need to sustain their pressure against two Diamonds goalers in Cara Koenen and Steph Wood this weekend.

ONE TO WATCH

Shooting at an average of 93% this season, MJ Kumwenda has been cool, calm and collected under the post. Her super shot could prove to be a vital weapon in the Vixens’ attack once again this week, but she'll face a resurgent Lightning defensive end – Karla Pretorius is in strong form in her return season after having daughter Kara in 2022, and former Vixen Kadie-Ann Dehaney will look to use her insider knowledge to combat the home side’s movement in the circle.

THE NUMBER

111.5: Liz Watson’s Nissan Net Points score against the Lightning the last time they met. Watson dominated the midcourt across wing attach and centre, a performance she will be hoping to replicate against a side that saw an increase in midcourt turnovers last week.

#VixensUnleashed