Round 12 Preview

THE MATCH

Melbourne Vixens vs Sunshine Coast Lightning

Sunday 29 May, 2pm 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 5, 2022

Lightning (71) defeated Vixens (58) at USC Stadium

WHAT TO EXPECT

Things didn’t go to plan last time we met the Lightning, but with finals around the corner and plenty on the line expect a strong performance from the Vixens in First Nations Round.

Versatility has proven to be key over the past few rounds especially in our defensive end, with Olivia Lewis, Emily Mannix and Jo Weston sharing responsibilities. Weston is likely to come up against Diamonds teammate Steph Wood, who is a real barometer for the Lightning.

Through the midcourt it’ll be a battle of youth and experience, co-captains Liz Watson and Kate Moloney leading us against the likes of Annie Miller and Maddie Hinchliffe. Moloney has split her time in wing defence and centre, adding to our flexibility through the middle while livewire Hannah Mundy is an exciting option.

Mwai Kumwenda has been in scintillating form, the goal shooter controlling proceedings inside the circle. She will have to rely upon her unflappable nature to combat former teammate Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Kate Walsh and Tara Hinchliffe who are renowned for their physical pressure. Expect to see Kiera Austin continue her wealth of work outside the circle as a crucial cog for our attack end on transition.

ONE TO WATCH

The contest between speedster Laura Scherian and Kate Eddy will be one to watch with the two boasting very different attributes. Bursting onto the court at quarter time in Round 11, Eddy will be eager to keep her intercept and deflection counts rising to limit the influence and speed of Scherian around circle edge.