Round 11 match report | Vixens vs Swifts

The Vixens proudly wore their 2026 First Nations dress design, created by proud Djab Wurrung, Kirrae Wurrung and Peek Wurrung woman Tarni Jarvis.

The clash also decided the Sargeant–McKinnis Cup, with the Vixens claiming the cup for the season.

Mia Lavis was elevated to the Vixens team list, in place of Hannah Mundy, who was ruled out this week due to irritation in the fat pad of her heel.

Q1 | Vixens 18 – 12 Swifts

The Vixens built a handy four-goal lead before the Swifts called a tactical time out, with the attacking end finding strong flow throughout the opening quarter. Sophie Garbin (48/52, 92.3% accuracy) was perfect under the post, shooting at 100% accuracy, while Kate Moloney’s (29 feeds, 21 goal assists) wide feeds into the circle proved crucial in creating opportunities. The Swifts lifted their pressure in the final minutes and forced a few Vixen errors, but Kiera Austin(17/19, 14 goal assists) finished the quarter in style with a super shot to cap off a strong opening term.

Q2 | Vixens 36 – 29 Swifts

The Vixens came out strongly in the second term, with Jo Weston (2 gains, 1 intercept) and Rudi Ellis (4 gains, 2 intercepts) working hard in defence. Lily Graham entered the game and used the baseline wisely to help maintain attacking momentum, while the Vixens continued to hold their lead throughout the quarter. Emily Mannix took the court in the final minutes as Grace Nweke challenged the defensive end, while Grace Whyte added pressure with three super shots for the Swifts. Despite the late surge, the Vixens headed into half time with a seven-goal lead.

Q3 | Vixens 50 – 42 Swifts

Kiera Austin returned at goal attack as the Vixens entered another highly competitive quarter, with both sides maintaining strong pressure throughout the term. Zara Walters (29 feeds, 21 goal assists) worked tirelessly through the midcourt and delivered important goal assists, while the Vixens continued to produce a complete team performance across the court. Kate Moloney shifted into wing attack, with Walters moving into centre, highlighting the versatility and adaptability of both players. Both teams never dropped their intensity, keeping the contest fierce until the final break.

Q4 | Vixens 67 – 57 Swifts

The stakes were high heading into the final quarter, with both sides continuing to bring strong pressure and intensity. Sophie Garbin remained composed and consistent under the post across the entire match, while the experienced defensive combination of Jo Weston and Rudi Ellis proved crucial. The Vixens pushed their lead out to nine goals before the Swifts called a tactical time out heading into the power five, but the contests remained fierce right until the final siren. The Vixens secured a 10-goal win, with Jo Weston named Player of the Match.

THE NUMBERS

48 – Sophie Garbin has scored her season high of 48 in a game for the 2026 season, as she was a force to be reckoned with under the post.

THE COACH SAYS

Di Honey on getting back on the winners list after last week's loss to Sunshine Coast Lightning.

“We worked on key areas that we needed to focus on, and I think it was executed tonight which made a difference.”

Di on transitioning Kate Moloney into wing attack and Zara Walters into centre.

“It actually changes it up I quite like her there, and I think with Zara in the middle there too, because she's come from wing defence her defensive game as a centre is quite good.”

Di on the second half of the season and maintaining their spot on the ladder.

“This next phase is really important, that were starting to play our best netball and I feel there was patches today that we are... It’s really important we take each week as we go and each team as we go.”

NEXT UP
The Vixens will face Adelaide Thunderbirds on Sunday 31 May at Adeliade Entertainment centre.

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