Grand Final match report | Thunderbirds vs Vixens

Q1 | Thunderbirds 11 - 12 Vixens

The Vixens made the perfect start, with Sophie Garbin scoring the opening goal of the Grand Final before the contest settled into a goal-for-goal battle. Captain Kate Moloney directed play through the midcourt, combining well with Garbin, who provided a strong target under the post. Defensive pressure from Jo Weston and Kate Eddy disrupted the Thunderbirds' attacking flow, forcing an early tactical timeout from Adelaide. The Vixens maintained their composure to take a narrow 12-11 lead into the first break.

Q2 | Thunderbirds 32 – 20 Vixens
Adelaide found its rhythm early in the second quarter, opening up a lead before the Vixens called a tactical timeout. The changes continued throughout the term, with Emily Mannix, Hannah Mundy and Lily Graham all injected into the contest. Graham made an immediate impact with a super shot, while the Vixens continued to work hard to create opportunities. A series of Thunderbirds intercepts helped the home side extend its advantage, leaving the Vixens trailing 32-20 at halftime.

Q3 | Thunderbirds 45 - 29 Vixens
The Vixens never stopped searching for a way back into the contest, with Garbin continuing to provide a strong target in attack. Adelaide maintained its defensive intensity, capitalising on key turnovers, while the Vixens looked to spark momentum with a tactical timeout midway through the quarter. Despite creating opportunities, a few missed super shot attempts made it difficult to reduce the margin, with the Thunderbirds leading 45-29 at the final break.

Q4 | Thunderbirds 61 - 40 Vixens
The Vixens continued to throw everything at the final quarter, with Zara Walters moving into center as the side searched for fresh energy. While the Thunderbirds finished strongly to claim the 2026 Championship, it does not diminish what has been another remarkable season for the Vixens. Although the season ended one step short of the ultimate prize, there is plenty for the Vixens to be proud of as they close out another memorable campaign.

THE NUMBERS
6 – This Grand Final appearance makes it the sixth National grand final the Vixens have appeared in.

THE COACH SAYS
Di Honey on the Thunderbirds defeating the Vixens.
“ I just think that they’ve got true athletes, the athletics is unreal and we played into that today big time…We didn’t stick to the game plan.”

Di on what our Vixens need to focus and reflect on.
“We had to be more accountable and disciplined.”

“They need to go back and watch it themselves, and see what happened back on court.”