Round 13 Preview | Vixens vs Firebirds

THE MATCH
Melbourne Vixens vs Queensland Firebirds
Sunday 6 July, 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
Tickets for Round 13 are SOLD OUT!

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 7, 2025
Vixens (70) defeated Firebirds (52) at Nissan Arena

WHAT TO EXPECT
The Vixens are fighting for finals positioning after falling to the Thunderbirds by just three goals in the final minutes last week, while the Firebirds are coming off a disappointing loss to the GIANTS.

Last time they met, the Vixens displayed a clinical and punishing brand of netball, headlined by standout attacking connection between the midcourt and goal circle. Captain Kate Moloney is coming off a powerhouse performance last week, and she’ll need to bring the same work rate and persistence against hard-running opponents like Macy Gardner and Lara Dunkley in the midcourt.

The Vixens' back line has shown all season how damaging their unit defence can be, and with Mary Cholhok shooting at 85% efficiency last weekend, Rudi Ellis will need to work with Jo Weston and Kate Eddy to shut down the Firebirds' second phase and limit access to the 201cm goal shooter under the post.

Despite the Vixens breaking their five-game winning streak last weekend, they'll be ready to fight a full 60-minute battle in front of a sell-out John Cain Arena to land themselves in another finals campaign.

ONE TO WATCH
Kiera Austin's composure under pressure, calculated movement across the court and defensive IQ can turn games single-handedly. Likely to match up against Firebird Ruby Bakewell-Doran, the pair will bring pace, intensity and athleticism in the attacking end. Last time they met, Bakewell-Doran banked five deflections and seven gains, while Austin shot at 87% accuracy, delivered 20 feeds and collected three pickups. Austin will need to bring her confident shot and assertive circle drives this weekend to propel her side to their eighth win in 2025.

THE NUMBER
81: When the teams met in Round 7, the Vixens' centre pass to goal rate sat at 81%, their second-highest of the year so far. In a season where finals positioning could come down to percentage, every point scored could be the difference and conversion is key; the Vixens will need to treasure owned ball and keep their centre pass conversion rate high.

ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.
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