Round 1 Preview | Mavericks vs Vixens
Victorian netball history will be made when the Vixens face the new Melbourne Mavericks in their inaugural derby in Round 1.
THE MATCH
Melbourne Mavericks vs Melbourne Vixens
Sunday 14 April, 2pm AEST
John Cain Arena | Wurundjeri Country
HOW TO WATCH
Can’t make it to the game? Tune in live or on demand on Kayo Sports or Foxtel (Australia), or via Netball Pass (international).
WHAT TO EXPECT
Victoria’s newest rivalry will be born when the Vixens and Mavericks take to John Cain Arena on the first Sunday of the season.
While the core remains, new faces in the Vixens side – Sophie Garbin, Rudi Ellis, Zara Walters and Lily Graham – have been key inclusions over the off-season, and will no doubt make an impact as the Vixens start their 2024 campaign.
The Mavs have plenty of speed through the midcourt but will be matched by the pace and power of Walters, Hannah Mundy, Kate Moloney and Kate Eddy across the transverse line.
Eleanor Cardwell has made the move to Melbourne fresh off a Thunderbirds premiership, and will face an in-form Emily Mannix determined to disrupt the Mavs’ fledgling connections in the shooting circle with newly signed South African Rolene Streutker. Squad member Gabby Coffey comes into the defensive lineup for Jo Weston, who is continuing to recover from a calf injury.
The taste of 2023 finals still lingers and is all the motivation the Vixens need, but drawing first blood against the new kids on the block will no doubt add some fire. After a gruelling pre-season, the side is ready to take it all the way, and still be standing come July.
ONE TO WATCH
The Vixens’ Diamonds duo of Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin will be a force to be reckoned with in the circle this season. They’ve not only tackled the world’s best defenders together in the green and gold, but with a full pre-season in Vixens colours, they certainly know each other’s games and will be eager to take on former Vixen Liv Lewis in her first game in Mavs colours.
THE NUMBER
0-0: With the Mavericks joining Suncorp Super Netball this season, the ledger is even. Starting a season on the right foot was already the aim for the Vixens, but with a Victorian derby to kick things off, there’s even more on the line.
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We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of all the lands and waters where netball is played throughout Victoria and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We also wish to recognise the tremendous contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to sport, and in particular netball in Victoria. We are committed to a journey of Reconciliation, working to break down barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across our state.
Netball Victoria is a proudly diverse and inclusive organisation, that actively celebrates LGBT+ diversity, inclusion and pride within the sport of netball throughout Victoria.
The Melbourne Vixens compete in Australia’s premier netball league, Suncorp Super Netball.
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