Round 12 Preview | Vixens vs Thunderbirds

*ROUND 12 SQUAD UPDATE*
Melbourne Vixens squad member Mia Lavis has again been elevated to the Vixens team list ahead of Round 12 of the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season.

Lavis will join the game day team on Sunday in place of Lily Graham who has been ruled out this week due to back soreness. In her second season as a training partner with the Melbourne Vixens, the 20-year-old emerging goal and wing attack has been a strong performer for the Vixens Academy team this season.

An Australian 17/U and 19/U squad member who played at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, Lavis is a versatile player known for her speed and ability to attack the post. Melbourne Vixens Head Coach, Di Honey, said:

“As a Vixens squad member, we’ve been really impressed by the way Mia has continued to develop her game. Her ability to play both wing attack and goal attack highlights her versatility and we’re looking forward to having her with the team again on Sunday.”

It shapes as a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash, with both teams holding identical 10–1 records, and the Vixens looking to back up their earlier win over Adelaide.

THE MATCH
Melbourne Vixens vs Adelaide Thunderbirds
Sunday 31 May, 4pm AEST
Adelaide Entertainment Centre

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).

THE TEAM
Kiera Austin (VC)
Kate Eddy
Rudi Ellis
Sophie Garbin
Lily Graham
Emily Mannix
Kate Moloney (C)
Hannah Mundy
Zara Walters
Jo Weston

LAST TIME THEY MET
Round 6, Saturday 18 April 2026
Vixens (56) defeated Thunderbirds (50) at John Cain Arena.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Round 12 signals the second week of First Nations Round, with the Melbourne Vixens set to take on the Adelaide Thunderbirds this Sunday.

It promises to be a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash, with both teams sitting at 10–1. The Vixens will be aiming to replicate their earlier win over Adelaide in what could prove pivotal in deciding who finishes the season on top, making it a must-watch encounter.

The Vixens will once again proudly wear their 2026 First Nations dress design, created by proud Djab Wurrung, Kirrae Wurrung and Peek Wurrung woman Tarni Jarvis.

A key battle will unfold in defence, with both sides leading the league in rebounds. Jo Weston has tallied 19 rebounds, while Thunderbirds defender Shamera Sterling-Humphrey leads the way with 23, setting up an exciting head-to-head.

ONE TO WATCH
Jo Weston is one to watch against the Thunderbirds following a standout Round 11 performance that saw her earn Player of the Match. Her experience and relentless defensive pressure proved dominant, as she consistently set the tone with her work rate and impact across the court.

THE NUMBERS
10 – Both teams have notched up 10 wins this season and are now set to face off in a top-of-the-table clash that promises to be an exciting contest.

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