Round 6 Preview | Vixens vs Lightning

Round 6 is the Vixens’ PLAY4BCNA match, supporting charity partner Breast Cancer Network Australia.

THE MATCH

Melbourne Vixens vs Sunshine Coast Lightning
Saturday 18 May, 5pm AEST
John Cain Arena | Wurundjeri Country

THE TEAM

Emily Andrew
Kiera Austin
Ruby Barkmeyer
Gabby Coffey
Rudi Ellis
Sophie Garbin
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 9, 2023
Lightning (61) defeated by Vixens (62) at UniSC Arena

WHAT TO EXPECT

The last time these two sides met, Emily Mannix led the Vixens to an early lead (including a 6-17 first quarter) before the Lightning fought back off the back some super shooting from Steph Fretwell, and it took Kiera Austin producing a clutch after-the-buzzer super shot to give the Vixens a one-goal win.

Expect another tight contest; with no fewer than eight current Australian Diamonds squad members between the teams, including both attack pairings, a close one could be on the cards.

There are mouthwatering matchups in every third, but injuries have forced both sides to shuffle the bibs around across the season – Cara Koenen has spent time in GA, Mannix has proven herself more than capable in GD and Rudi Ellis stepped into WD against the Swifts.

With both coaches spoiled for choice we may see a few different combinations on court, and Vixens fans could see squad members Ruby Barkmeyer, Gabby Coffey and Emily Andrew get their opportunity in front of a home crowd.

ONE TO WATCH

All eyes will be on the starting lineups, with fan pressure on coaches Simone McKinnis and Belinda Reynolds to give the Watson vs Moloney matchup an early run. The former co-captains faced off at Team Girls Cup, but this round will mark their first opportunity in the season proper.

The loss of Kate Eddy to injury leaves a tough gap to fill for Vixens, but look for Kate Moloney and Jo Weston to work in tandem to make Watson’s life hard across the transverse line, and Mannix will be primed to take a fly at any stray pocket balls heading her former teammate’s way.

THE NUMBER

57: The number of Australians who will be told they have breast cancer every day this year. In 2024 over 20,000 Australians will receive this devastating news, and the Vixens are partnering with Breast Cancer Network Australia this weekend to PLAY4BCNA. Buy your pink merch and wave your BCNA Pink Lady in the crowd on Saturday to show your support!

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