Match Preview | SSN Round 7

THE MATCH

Melbourne Vixens vs Queensland Firebirds

Saturday 29 April, 5pm 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 8, 2022

Vixens (66) defeated Firebirds (64) at John Cain Arena

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Vixens return to John Cain Arena this week after a tough two weeks on the road and will be eager to re-join the winners list in front of a home crowd. The Firebirds will be on a high after registering their first win of the season last week, toppling the GIANTS by four goals on Sunday.

It was a signature Vixens come-from-behind win the last time we played the Firebirds. Despite some super shots from Donnell Wallam threatening a late Firebirds fight back, the Vixens stuck it out and dialled up the defensive pressure all over the court to claim a gritty win. Stepping up as head coach in Simone McKinnis’ absence, assistant coach Di Honey was unafraid to make changes and brought the strength of Hannah Mundy into the fray.

The midcourt battles between these two sides are often fierce, with former Vixen Lara Dunkley having a strong season. She’ll face a defensive unit in navy that will look to work together to shut down her drives to circle edge, while Liz Watson continues to have a stellar season, having amassed 421 Nissan NetPoints so far this year.

ONE TO WATCH

Liv Lewis was outstanding in our clash against the Swifts last week, her elevation and ability to read the play leading her to finish the match with 3 intercepts and 6 deflections. She and Jo Weston combined beautifully to reduce Donnell Wallam’s impact in Round 8 last year, with Emily Mannix taking the reins later in the match. Given Wallam’s proficiency under the post and ability to surprise with a lay-up or two, this may well be a strategy we see the Vixens replicate this Saturday.

THE NUMBER

10: Mwai Kumwenda continues to impress in the goal circle, proving once again that she’s tough to beat in the air. This week she comes up against Firebirds goal keeper Remi Kamo, who sits fourth in the league for defensive rebounds having claimed 10 so far this season. MJ is also fourth in the league for offensive rebounds, so their match up will be an important aerial battle on Saturday.

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