Round 14 match report | Vixens vs Fever

The game also marked Inclusion Round, with the Melbourne Vixens and Netball Victoria celebrating Everyone Belongs Round. The round recognised the diversity of the netball community and reinforced the sport's commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for everyone.

Q1 | Vixens 14 – 15 Fever
The Vixens came out with plenty of energy, Kate Moloney (26 feeds, 18 goal assists) holding strong through the midcourt and helping the side present well across the court. The Vixens moved the ball smoothly into the attacking circle, but the Fever were kept in the contest by the strength of Romelda Aiken-George under the post, who proved difficult for the Vixens defenders to contain. The quarter remained tightly contested, with both teams trading goals throughout. Fever capitalised early in the Super Shot period with two two-pointers, before Kiera Austin (22/26, 6 super shots) responded with a Super Shot of her own. It was a competitive opening term, with the Vixens trailing by just one goal at quarter time, 15-14.

Q2 | Vixens 25 – 34 Fever
The Fever found a consistent run early in the second quarter, building a three-goal lead before the Vixens called a tactical timeout to halt the momentum. At the defensive end, Jo Weston (3 deflections, 2 intercepts) and Rudi Ellis (3 gains, 2 deflections) threw everything into the contest, applying strong pressure and fighting hard for every ball. Despite the Fever continuing to press, the Vixens remained composed and worked to stay in touch. However, the Fever capitalised on their opportunities and extended their lead to nine goals by halftime, leaving the Vixens with work to do in the second half.

Q3 | Vixens 38 – 50 Fever
Both teams battled fiercely for possession as the crowd brought plenty of energy and noise to the contest. Kim Borger entered the game at goal attack, adding fresh legs to the Vixens' attack. The Fever continued to play at a high tempo, maintaining control of the scoreboard and preserving their lead. Kiera Austin nailed a Super Shot with three minutes remaining in the quarter to reduce the margin, but despite several further Super Shot attempts from Austin and Borger, the Vixens were unable to convert. The Fever capitalised and held onto a 12-goal advantage heading into the final break.

Q4 | Vixens 55 – 64 Fever
Zara Walters (9 feeds) shifted into centre, with Kate Moloney moving into wing defence as the Vixens looked to spark a comeback. The defensive unit continued to work tirelessly, with Rudi Ellis leading the charge and helping force key turnovers that drove the ball into the attacking end. During the power five, Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin (25/28, 2 Super Shots) combined for four Super Shots in a matter of minutes, cutting the margin to just seven goals with 90 seconds remaining. The Vixens fought hard until the final whistle, continually driving the ball forward and creating opportunities in attack, but the Fever were able to hold firm and secure the win.

THE NUMBERS
8 – Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin combined for eight Super Shots, with seven coming in the final quarter, highlighting the pair's strong attacking impact.

THE COACH SAYS
Di on the Vixens spurt in the last term
“I was wrapped to see that and that fight and I suppose mungral come back within the team, that’s why I said where has it been because they are more than capable to produce four quarters of that.”

Di on Lily Graham’s injury and plan to return
“Hopefully she’ll train again this week and play four quarters at her match play.”

Di on going into our Major Semi Final on Sunday
“We are second on the ladder and in finals, we’ve got two opportunities... pressure is on them so we don’t mind being the underdogs.”

NEXT UP
The Vixens will face off the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Sunday 21 June 2pm at Adelaide 36ers Arena in their Major Semi Final.