Round 12 Preview | Vixens vs Thunderbirds

THE MATCH
Melbourne Vixens vs Adelaide Thunderbirds
Sunday 29 June, 2pm AEST
John Cain Arena | Wurundjeri Country

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

TICKETS
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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 1, 2025
Thunderbirds (66) defeated Vixens (53) at Adelaide Entertainment Centre

WHAT TO EXPECT
The Vixens have charged into third spot after a clinical win against the Lightning last weekend, while the Thunderbirds are fighting for a finals berth after falling short to the Fever in Round 11. Currently sitting one game out of the top four with three games to play, the Thunderbirds have it all to play for.

The Vixens have proved they’re a force to be reckoned with, aiming for their sixth win in a row in front of a near sell-out John Cain Arena. Expect the Vixens to show up with a point to prove - with unfinished business dating back to a shattering two-goal loss in last year’s grand final, as well as a disappointing defeat in this season’s opener, the Vixens will be looking to turn recent history around.

With no Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, a new defensive dynamic for the away side awaits in the circle, and in-form shooting duo Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin will need to use their seamless swings, screens and clean ball movement to stay clear of Latanya Wilson and Matilda Garrett's reach. In Hannah Mundy’s absence, last weekend Zara Walters stepped up to the challenge and impressed across an entire 60 minutes of netball, banking 37 feeds and 21 goal assists. Should Walters play another full game this weekend, the young Colac local will need to bring her precision feeds and connection with Kate Moloney to keep her side's scoring opportunities flowing.

The last time they met, Romelda Aiken-George shot at 97% accuracy. With Jo Weston, Kate Eddy and Rudi Ellis all in fine form and their defensive flow humming, they’ll bring their arms-over pressure and precise footwork to block overhead access into Aiken-George. As the Vixens continue to showcase their unit defence, forcing 16 general play turnovers onto the Lightning last weekend, they’ll be looking to bring that pressure this weekend in front of a home crowd.

ONE TO WATCH
Fresh off her 100th game last weekend, Kate Eddy is in arguably career-best form this season. With her impressive arms-over pressure and ability to read the play, Eddy has become a threatening tagger down the court and often plays a vital role in her side’s victories. The last time the Vixens played the Thunderbirds, Eddy matched up against Lauren Frew, banking 4 deflections, 3 intercepts and 84 Net Points. Should Eddy pull on the WD or GD bib this weekend, she’ll bring her relentless work rate and anticipation to combat the Thunderbirds' ability to move the ball quickly into Aiken-George.

THE NUMBER
18: The 2025 season opener saw the Vixens fall to the Thunderbirds, yet the impressive signs of unit defence were still present with the Vixens banking 18 deflections collectively. Weston had five of her own, while Ellis and Eddy each had four, and Maggie Caris deflected two on debut. Down the court, Kate Moloney got a hand to two balls and Kiera Austin also contributed. The Thunderbirds move the ball quickly and will look long into Aiken-George, so the Vixens will need to bring full-court team defence on Sunday to generate gained ball and overrun the reigning premiers.

ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.
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