Round 1 Preview | Firebirds vs Vixens
With pre-season wrapped up and anticipation building, the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season is set to begin, as the Melbourne Vixens travel to Brisbane for an exciting Round 1 clash.
THE MATCH
Queensland Firebirds vs Melbourne Vixens
Sunday 15 March, 2pm AEDT
Nissan Arena, Brisbane
THE TEAM
Kiera Austin (VC)
Maggie Caris
Kate Eddy
Rudi Ellis
Sophie Garbin
Lily Graham
Kate Moloney (C)
Hannah Mundy
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 13, 2025
Vixens (64) defeated Firebirds (62) at John Cain Arena.
WHAT TO EXPECT
After a successful 2025 campaign, the Melbourne Vixens return as the hunted champions. With an almost unchanged squad, the group has built stronger connections than ever.
After serving as the Melbourne Vixens assistant coach since 2014, Di Honey steps up to make her head coach debut, joined by new assistant coach Kate Upton. It’s the first SSN game for this dynamic coaching duo, promising a fresh approach, plenty of energy, and excitement on the sidelines.
The Melbourne Vixens midcourt, made up of captain Kate Moloney, Kate Eddy, Hannah Mundy, and Zara Walters, will play a crucial role in keeping the ball moving. Known for their composure under pressure, the quartet connect smoothly to control the tempo, create space, and deliver accurate feeds into the circle for the shooters.
With Maggie Caris stepping up as the 11th player, she will be ready to make the most of any opportunity in defence. Eager to earn valuable court time, Caris will look to bring energy and impact to the defensive end whenever called upon.
ONE TO WATCH
Sophie Garbin plays a crucial role at goal shooter after a standout 2025 season in which she netted 500 goals. The Diamonds shooter is known for her towering vertical leap and commanding presence in the circle, but she’ll come up against a tough test from Kelly Jackson. The seasoned Silver Ferns goalkeeper is new to this competition, yet both players bring significant experience, setting up a thrilling showdown.
ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.
Book your tickets for Vixens home games via Ticketeck
View the Vixens’ 2026 fixture
Shop Vixens merch at the online store
Support the team with a 2026 Vixens membership
More news
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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