Preliminary Final Preview

Melbourne Vixens vs GIANTS Netball

Saturday 25 June, 7pm AEST

John Cain Arena | Wurundjeri Country

TICKETS

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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).

WHAT TO EXPECT

Last time we met the GIANTS we played out the only overtime match of the season, winning by three goals in an absolute thriller at Ken Rosewall Arena. With a spot in the Grand Final on the line, we’ll be hoping to put out a consistent four quarter effort in our preliminary final battle and avoid any extra minutes.

Without Kiera Austin (health and safety protocols) it will be up to Rahni Samason and stalwart Mwai Kumwenda to steer the ship in attack, with Ruby Barkmeyer stepping up to offer another dynamic option. Samason proved that super shots were no problem against the Fever, sinking 10 in our semi final last week, while Kumwenda will need to maintain her composure and dominance in the air against the likes of Tilly McDonell and April Brandley.

The GIANTS boast pace and strength through the midcourt with Jamie-Lee Price and Amy Parmenter key cogs, making for an exciting challenge for our co-captains Liz Watson and Kate Moloney who are renowned for their precision and smarts with ball in hand. Maddie Hay is an unsung hero for the GIANTS, as is Kate Eddy for us, the pair set for an enticing battle. Expect Eddy to utilise her hands over defence to block the vision of Hay.

Emily Mannix and Olivia Lewis are strong competitors in the defensive circle with both able to reel in the intercepts and apply pressure over the ball. Likely to come up against English international and GIANTS captain, Jo Harten, our defensive duo will be eager to impose themselves early on the contest and nullify her influence.

ONE TO WATCH

The contest between Jo Weston and Sophie Dwyer is set to be a thriller, both integral players for their respective sides. Weston will look to her persistent tagging style of defence, her experience and netball nous to outwit the youngster while Dwyer will be aiming to use her turn of speed and accuracy to post against Weston.

The Vixens will wear black arm bands in honour of Netball Victoria Life Member and Hall of Fame Member Dot Elmer, who passed away recently. Learn more about Dot’s remarkable contribution to Victorian netball