Round 2 Preview | Vixens vs Thunderbirds

Presented by SIXT

THE MATCH

Melbourne Vixens vs Adelaide Thunderbirds
Saturday 20 April, 7pm AEST
John Cain Arena | Wurundjeri Country

THE TEAM

Kiera Austin
Ruby Barkmeyer
Kate Eddy
Rudi Ellis
Sophie Garbin
Lily Graham
Emily Mannix (VC)
Kate Moloney (C)
Zara Walters
Jo Weston

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HOW TO WATCH

Can’t make it to the game? Tune in live or on demand on Kayo Sports or Foxtel (Australia), or via Netball Pass (international).

LAST TIME THEY MET

Round 10, 2023
Vixens (60) defeated Thunderbirds (39) at John Cain Arena

WHAT TO EXPECT

In the Vixens’ first home game of the season, they’re counting on a home crowd push to help them get over the line against reigning champions, the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

Coming off a seven-goal win over new crosstown rivals the Mavericks in Round 1, the Vixens are full of confidence and determined to build a winning streak. However, the visitors will also have a point to prove after a narrow win over the Firebirds.

Last week’s impressive debut performance from Zara Walters has seen her emerge as a secret weapon, adding to the dynamic Vixens midcourt that could be the key to overrunning the Thunderbirds.

The task of shutting down Thunderbirds goaler Romelda Aiken-George will be faced by a defence line led by Emily Mannix, with Jo Weston returning from a calf injury and last week’s debutant Rudi Ellis and Kate Eddy also offering options in the circle. The defenders will need to keep an eye on the support of speedy Georgie Horjus and second-gamer, Lauren Frew.

The Thunderbirds came out on top in pre-season matches at the Ballarat Blitz and Team Girls Cup, but the Vixens are confident their preparation will put them in good stead.

ONE TO WATCH

Keep your eyes on the Vixens' attacking end where the Garbin/Sterling-Humphrey show is one not to be missed. The Diamonds goaler and Jamaican defender are always fearless competitors, and this matchup is sure to bring the house down.

Garbin impressed in Round 1 - awarded the Vixens’ Fan MVP for her efforts - with a total of 42 goals for the match, while Sterling-Humphrey didn’t miss a beat with six intercepts and 10 gains to her name.

THE NUMBER

118: With possibly the highest and longest jump in the competition, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey topped last year’s SSN leaderboard for deflections with 118, 15 ahead of the second-ranked player. Her remarkable season was capped off as she was named the SSN Player of the Year. Her ability to read the hands of her opposition goaler is impeccable, but she'll face an in-form Sophie Garbin whose connections with her new teammates continue to build.

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