Round 7 Preview | Firebirds vs Vixens

The Vixens head north to face-off against the Firebirds in this weekend's first instalment of Super Netball’s league-wide First Nations Round. Both teams are looking for their third win of the season and to keep their finals hope alive.

THE MATCH
Queensland Firebirds vs Melbourne Vixens
Sunday 25 May, 2pm AEST
Nissan Arena | Turrbal & Yuggera 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

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 14, 2024
Vixens (62) defeated Firebirds (52) at Nissan Arena

WHAT TO EXPECT
The Vixens are coming off a tough loss against the Lightning last weekend and will be looking to lift their game against the Firebirds to prove they’re still contenders in this season’s top four. Similarly, the Firebirds will be looking for redemption this week after they went down to the Mavericks last week at MyState Arena.

Both sides will be looking to build momentum coming into the second half of this season, so expect fiery and competitive battles all over the court. Macy Gardner shapes as the likely match-up against Kate Moloney in the middle, both athletes' pace and ball movement set to deliver a tough contest. The last time they met, Moloney banked 41 feeds and 2 pickups, while Gardner racked up 2 intercepts and 22 feeds.

It could also be a game decided by who takes their chances under the post, as the Vixens look to focus on converting their gains and punishing the opposition for their turnovers. Some Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin magic could be the key to victory, as the Diamonds duo have proved how damaging they can be when working in tandem.

The Vixens defenders will face a new attacking lineup with the injection of Mary Cholhok, whose combination with Emily Moore continues to grow. A strong hands-over presence and defensive efforts outside the circle will be vital to enable the Vixens' circle defenders to contest the high ball into Cholhok.

ONE TO WATCH
The last time the two sides met Lara Dunkley delivered 33 feeds and 16 goal assists, and with a target like Cholhok at the post Dunkley can pose a real threat across the transverse line. Coach Simone McKinnis has shown her side's versatility in the WD position this season, and Vixens fans know whether it's Kate Eddy, Jo Weston or Moloney lining up, they'll each offer a tagging mentality and a willingness to run their opponent into the ground.

THE NUMBER
100 – Sophie Garbin will play her 100^th national league game this weekend, after a decorated career across the Swifts, Magpies and Vixens. Debuting for the Swifts in 2018 and the Diamonds in 2021, Garbin had an outstanding debut year in navy in 2024, headlined by winning the Liz Ellis Diamond at the Australian Netball Awards.

ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.
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