Round 4 Preview | Vixens vs Firebirds

Presented by Origin

THE MATCH

Melbourne Vixens vs Queensland Firebirds
Sunday 5 May, 2pm 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)
Hannah Mundy
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 12, 2023

Firebirds (76) defeated Vixens (71) at Nissan Arena

WHAT TO EXPECT

Two contrasting approaches will come into play this weekend, with both sides coming off very different results from last round. The Vixens are full of confidence after a dominant performance over the GIANTS and remain undefeated for the season, while the Firebirds will come in hungry after going down to the Swifts in an extra time thriller last week.

After Hannah Mundy’s return last week and new recruit Zara Walters in fine form, the Vixens are spoilt for choice in the midcourt. They’ll come up against a Firebirds midcourt featuring an in-form Hulita Veve, and the versatility of Lara Dunkley and Macy Gardner in attack; it will fall to Kate Eddy and Kate Moloney to shut down their access to circle edge.

Emily Mannix is arguably in career-best form, particularly after last week’s Player of the Match effort. With Jo Weston back in the mix, they’ll have their hands full against Diamond Donnell Wallam who has dominated the scoreboard for Firebirds and isn’t afraid to put up a super shot when the time comes. Weston will need to tag Tippah Dwan out of the game and work with Eddy to build pressure on the feed, giving Mannix a chance to contest.

ONE TO WATCH

Kiera Austin will meet her match with Firebirds defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran. While Bakewell-Doran has the quick thinking and agility, Austin’s creativity on court and sharp eye for a direct goaler-to-goaler feed will keep the Firebirds’ defender on her toes.

Both players have been a part of the Diamonds program together for the last two years alongside Sophie Garbin, and their combined pace, elevation and ball speed will make this circle one to watch.

THE NUMBER

65: Replacement player Lily Graham become Vixen #65 when she took the court in Sunday’s win over the GIANTS. Her speed, willingness to turn and shoot, and being a relatively unknown quantity for opposition defenders to combat, offers coach Simone McKinnis another dimension in the circle.

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