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
Sunday 18 May, 4pm AEST
John Cain Arena | Wurundjeri Country

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

TICKETS
Book now via Ticketek

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 10, 2024
Vixens (63) defeated Lightning (61) at UniSC Arena

WHAT TO EXPECT
With the Vixens coming off a tough battle against the undefeated Swifts, they’ll be looking to put themselves back in the top four mix. On the other hand, the Lightning are coming off an impressive win against the GIANTS last weekend, setting the stage of a huge hit-out on Sunday afternoon.

Up against a dynamic Lightning shooting trio in Steph Fretwell, Cara Koenen and Reilley Batcheldor, expect relentless hunt on loose balls from the Vixens' back end to create opportunities. Jo Weston was one of last weekend's stand outs (2 intercepts, 2 gains, 3 deflections), and she'll need to retain that form to combat Lightning's attack on Sunday. Weston will also need to stay on the move to work around Fretwell, who has managed to bank 66 goal assists so far in 2025 as a crucial playmaker for her side. Expect a physical contest from the transverse line to the circle to minimise Fretwell's impact should the two meet this weekend.

The last time these sides met, it went down to the wire with the Vixens taking the win on the road by just two goals. Kate Moloney put on a masterclass with 27 feeds, two deflections and five pickups, while former Vixen Liz Watson racked up 116 Net Points and 41 feeds against her old side. If history repeats itself, we could be in for a very tight result on Sunday afternoon, headlined by Watson coming up against the old faithful in front of a buzzing John Cain Arena.

ONE TO WATCH
Cara Koenen has been having a major impact in recent weeks, finding impressive goal efficiency. The last time they met, Koenen shot at 100% (21/21) and will look to use her baseline drives and shooting volume on Sunday with Rudi Ellis a likely matchup. Ellis sits at exactly 190cm like Koenen, and will need to keep her feet moving and contest in the air to combat her Diamonds teammate's influence under the post.

THE NUMBER
58: The number of Australians who will be told they have breast cancer every day this year – in 2025, over 20,000 Australians will receive this devastating news. This weekend, the Vixens are partnering with Breast Cancer Network Australia to PLAY4BCNA. Buy your pink merch and wave your BCNA Pink Lady in the crowd on Sunday to show your support for this important cause!

ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.
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View the Vixens’ 2025 fixture
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Support the team with a 2025 Vixens membership