Prelim Final Preview | Swifts vs Vixens

THE MATCH
NSW Swifts vs Melbourne Vixens
Sunday 27 July, 2pm AEST
Qudos Bank Arena | Wangal Land

THE TEAM
Kiera Austin (VC)
Maggie Caris
Kate Eddy
Rudi Ellis
Sophie Garbin
Lily Graham
Kate Moloney (C)
Tara Watson
Zara Walters
Jo Weston

HOW TO WATCH
Can’t make it to the game? Tune in live or on demand on Kayo Sports, Foxtel or BINGE (Australia), or via Netball Pass (international).

LAST TIME THEY MET
Round 10, 2025
Vixens (70) defeated Swifts (68) at John Cain Arena

WHAT TO EXPECT
The Vixens are coming off a monumental win against the Thunderbirds last weekend, taking out a gritty three-goal victory at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, while the Swifts will be seeking redemption after last weekend’s blow-out major semi final loss to minor premiers West Coast Fever. With a home crowd and plenty to prove, expect the Swifts to come out firing and ready to take their second chance. It will be a high intensity clash between the traditional rivals with a place in next weekend’s Grand Final on the line.

The last time these sides met, a Swifts super shot frenzy saw it go down to the wire at John Cain Arena. This weekend, the Vixens must bring a 60-minute defensive effort, but particularly in the power five after Helen Housby almost stole the win in Round 10. Jo Weston, Rudi Ellis and Kate Eddy will need every inch of their relentless body-on defence and hands-over pressure, while also watching post-side with Grace Nweke dangerous on the hold.

Out the front, Zara Walters, Kate Moloney and Kiera Austin must bring two consistent options to the ball. Should the Swifts focus on combatting Austin’s influence, Garbin will need to use her swings and strong holds to open up access to the post against Sarah Klau. With Sharni Lambden expected to match up on youngster Walters, and Swifts captain Paige Hadley returning to add firepower against Moloney in the middle, the pair will need to keep up their patient ball movement and work rate to hit circle edge, delivering confident feeds to their shooters to capitalise on owned and gained ball.

THE NUMBER
3: The Vixens have won three of their last five meetings with the Swifts, with two of them decided by three goals or less. If history should repeat itself, we'll be in for a tight match at Qudos Bank Arena, with a Rod Laver Arena Grand Final appearance awaiting the winner.

ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.