Match Preview | SSN Round 5
The Vixens are back on the road after a dominant run of three straight wins at John Cain Arena, heading to Adelaide to take on the Thunderbirds.
THE MATCH
Adelaide Thunderbirds vs Melbourne Vixens
Saturday 15 April, 7pm AEST
Netball SA Stadium | Kaurna Land
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 13, 2022
Thunderbirds (47) defeated by Vixens (51) at Adelaide Entertainment Centre
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Vixens are brimming with confidence after a stunning three games at John Cain Arena. They surged home the last time these two sides met, winning the final quarter by eight goals (13-5) to seal a comeback victory and the minor premiership.
The Thunderbirds will be keen to bounce back after GIANTS Netball handed them their first loss of the season last week.
With MJ Kumwenda and Kiera Austin shooting at 92% and 88% accuracy this season respectively, accuracy under the post will continue to be vital, particularly as they face the competition’s leading defensive pairing in Shamera Sterling and Latanya Wilson.
At the other end new Thunderbird Eleanor Cardwell is establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with, and will provide a challenge for our defensive unit which is in fine form this season. Facing a dynamic attacking lineup, the Vixens will need to shut down the midcourt’s access to the circle and get hands over every feed.
ONE TO WATCH
Our goalers will once again have to contend with world-class defence from Sterling and Wilson, the former claiming MVP for the Thunderbirds in three of their four matches so far. Sterling currently leads the competition in Nissan NetPoints, defensive rebounds, and deflections, but won’t have it all her own way; MJ is sitting on 11 offensive rebounds for the season and is more than capable of holding her own in the air.
THE NUMBER
50: Kiera Austin’s career SSN matches. Having moved south from GIANTS Netball ahead of the 2022 season, the Commonwealth Games gold medallist has quickly made herself an irreplaceable member of the Vixens squad.
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