Round 1 match report | Firebirds vs Vixens

The season opener saw Di Honey step up as head coach after serving as assistant coach since 2014, with Kate Upton joining the team in a new role as assistant coach, bringing fresh energy and experience to the squad.

The win was headlined by an outstanding performance from player of the match Kate Moloney which saw her rack up 95 Net Points (25 feeds, 11 goal assists, three turnovers, and two intercepts).

Q1 | Firebirds 14 – 15 Vixens
The Firebirds started strong, with Mary Cholhok opening the scoring, while Sophie Garbin responded for the Vixens. The Vixens remained patient, working the ball to the circle’s edge, as goal shooter Cholhok and goalkeeper Ellis engaged in a tough, physical contest that set the tone for a competitive opening period. Kiera Austin was clinical within the circle, converting all eight of her attempts (8/8, 100%), linking effectively with Mundy, who was strong early with seven feeds.

Q2 | Firebirds 25 – 30 Vixens
Austin continued her momentum, sinking the first goal of the quarter as the Vixens created multiple options down the court, taking a 23-18 lead. The Vixens applied pressure on the initial centre pass, disrupting the Firebirds’ flow and forcing two tactical timeouts during the quarter. In the final three minutes, Zara Walters came on at wing attack, swapping with Hannah Mundy, who finished the half with 13 feeds, 10 goal assists, and two turnovers. The Firebirds fought back in the closing minutes, reducing the margin to just three points, but the Vixens were able to secure a five-point lead coming into half time.

Q3 | Firebirds 39 - 45 Vixens
The intensity and physicality continued into the second half, with Austin and Garbin maintaining their strong connection, as Garbin regained her rhythm, converting 30/34 goals for the game. With six minutes remaining in the quarter, both teams scored nine goals each, keeping the contest tight. The Firebirds brought on their attacking options, with Cholhok converting 29 of 35 attempts by the end of the third quarter, supported by Gardner, who tallied 10 goal assists. Austin then landed a crucial shot from the edge of the circle, helping the Vixens extend their lead to six as the quarter closed.

Q4 | Firebirds 49 – 60 Vixens
Tensions were high entering the final quarter, with the teams separated by just six points. The physical intensity of the match continued, but the Vixens were able to convert their chances, using a tactical timeout to slow the game down and make smart decisions. Mundy returned to the court, providing energy and composure as Jo Weston maintained strong defensive pressure, forcing a crucial turnover in the last three minutes. Kate Moloney produced a standout final quarter, finishing the game with 25 feeds, 11 goal assists, three turnovers, and two intercepts, guiding the Vixens to victory. Despite the Firebirds’ efforts to close the gap, the Vixens held firm to secure a 60–49 win, taking all four quarters.

THE NUMBERS
95 - Kate Moloney’s player of the match performance saw her rack up 95 Net Points, a reflection of her intensity and work rate (25 feeds, 11 goal assists, three turnovers, and two intercepts).
15 - The Vixens scored 15-points each quarter, leading them to win all four quarters.

THE COACH SAYS
Di Honey was excited to get the first win of the season in her debut game as head coach. She reflected on her time coaching alongside Simone and now transitioning into the head coach role.

“Don’t get me wrong, Simone was a fantastic mentor—we loved working together. I think I’m just a bit more chilled as a coach, but I still demand what she demanded, and that’s the best and excellence.”

“We prepared with footage during the week, and most of them have played the New Zealand style, so it was just about watching the passing and the flying through the offline defence that they do. They were well prepped and ready to go, but it is still different once you get out there.”

“I’m very trusting of my senior players. They know what to do, and we’ve been in those situations so many times… they know what to do when we get into crunch time.”

She shared her perspective on the changes the Firebirds have made coming into the 2026 season.

“I think Mary’s improved… I just feel with the recruitment of the New Zealanders, that has obviously strengthened their side. I think they will be really competitive this season.”

She was full of praise for the team and gave an update on Emily Mannix’s progress:

“Em had been sick, so she had missed a bit of time on court. I just felt she’s still a bit underdone, so we’ve been doing extras with her—hopefully you will see her soon.”

NEXT UP
The Vixens will take on GIANTS Netball at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday 22 March.

ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.
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View the Vixens’ 2026 fixture