Round 8 Preview | Vixens vs GIANTS

Presented by HCF

THE MATCH

Melbourne Vixens vs GIANTS Netball
Saturday 1 June, 5pm AEST
John Cain Arena | Wurundjeri Country

THE TEAM

Kiera Austin
Ruby Barkmeyer
Gabby Coffey
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 3, 2024
GIANTS (44) defeated by Vixens (63) at Ken Rosewall Arena

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Vixens are coming off a high after defeating top-of-the-table West Coast Fever in Perth last week, but that will only build their determination to finish the season strong - the Vixens know there’s unfinished business and no team in the competition will go down without a fight.

The home side will look to replicate the cohesive defence line from last week with Kate Eddy still sidelined with injury. The triple threat of Jo Weston, Emily Mannix and Rudi Ellis proved effective last week and will be tasked with shutting down Jo Harten, Sophie Dwyer and Matisse Letherbarrow who can be lethal in the super shot period.

Up front - name a more magic quartet than the Garbin/Austin/Mundy/Moloney attack line. We’ll wait…

Captain Kate Moloney is averaging 31 feeds a match, while Hannah Mundy averages 32 – both working seamlessly with the goalers. Sophie Garbin is currently third in the league for points scored (274 and 261 goals) providing the Vixens with a reliable target under the post, and combining well with Kiera Austin to create space and cause headaches for opposition defence lines.

There was no change from the starting seven last week, but with Ruby Barkmeyer, Gabby Coffey and Lily Graham named in the team, there are options for coach Simone McKinnis to throw around and keep the GIANTS guessing.

Starting off on the right foot has seen success for the Vixens who have won all but one of their first quarters for the season. It’s finishing strong that they’ll be looking to refine over the coming weeks, with three drawn final terms to their name.

ONE TO WATCH

Last time they met, the Kiera Austin and Jodi-Ann Ward match-up was one to keep an eye on. Ward was switched on, managing five deflections and two intercepts, however that was matched by Austin’s 21 goals, two deflections and two intercepts herself. We’ll have the popcorn ready to watch this haed-to-head play out this week.

THE NUMBER

Of the eight times the Vixens have hosted the GIANTS at John Cain Arena, the home side has won five. With another full house expected, the Vixens are counting on a home crowd push to cheer them onto six, and their seventh win for the season.

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