Round 7 Preview

THE MATCH

Melbourne Vixens vs Collingwood Magpies

Sunday 1 May, 4pm AEST

John Cain Arena | Wurundjeri Country

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HOW TO WATCH

Can’t make it to the game? Tune in live on Foxtel or Kayo Sports (Australia), Spark Sport (New Zealand) or NetballAustralia.TV (everywhere else).

LAST TIME THEY MET

Round 11, 2021

Vixens (48) defeated by Collingwood (52) at Netball SA Stadium

THE NEWS

Unfortunately Hannah Mundy and Kate Eddy will miss this week’s clash due to health and safety protocols, paving the way for squad members Sharni Lambden and Jordan Cransberg to be elevated as replacement players.

Rahni Samason has also been ruled out with a knee injury, and has been replaced by squad member Ruby Barkmeyer.

WHAT TO EXPECT

For the first time since 2019 the Victorian Derby will be played on home soil this Sunday.

With Collingwood claiming the title last year, there’ll be plenty of feeling in this game as we look to make amends and consolidate our spot at the top of the table.

Kiera Austin has only gotten stronger throughout the season, the nimble goal attack utilising her netball smarts and shooting accuracy to impact the scoreboard. The acrobatic Mwai Kumwenda has also continued to fire on all cylinders, and elevated squad member Barkmeyer will bring her trademark speed and precision around the circle if called upon.

Likely to come up against Geva Mentor, Jodi-Ann Ward and former Melbourne Vixens squad member Jacqui Newton, our shooters will have to be on their game to impose themselves on the contest early.

Our defensive trio of Emily Mannix, Jo Weston and Olivia Lewis have no shortage of star power with Weston sitting inside the top five in the league for rebounds and deflections. They’ll have to dig deep to limit the scoring power of Collingwood goalers, Shimona Nelson and Sophie Garbin who are strong options under the post.

ONE TO WATCH

Coming off yet another impressive performance – winning the inaugural Edith Hull Medal in Anzac Round – the contest between co-captain Liz Watson and Ash Brazill is set to be a thriller. Both phenomenal athletes and recently named in the Diamonds squad, the tussle around circle edge could be where the game is won or lost.