Round 3 match report | Mavericks vs Vixens

In a blockbuster Melbourne Derby, both sides delivered an intense, hard-fought contest, with the Mavericks’ new-look line-up posing a strong challenge and pushing the game into overtime.

With tensions high and momentum swinging, the Vixens held their nerve to come away with the victory, while Kate Moloney earned Player of the Match honours with 21 feeds, 12 goal assists and two pickups.

Q1 | Mavericks 19 – 14 Vixens

It was a competitive contest between both teams, with the Mavericks driving the ball smoothly into their forward line, and goal shooter Shimona Nelson (55/58) proving to be a force to be reckoned with. Their slow transition from defence to attack worked in their favour, while their defensive pressure on Kiera Austin (20/28, 18 goal assists, two deflections) and Sophie Garbin (47/52, 10 feeds, 5 goal assists) made it difficult for the Vixens to find space in the circle to feed. The Mavericks even forced Hannah Mundy (39 feeds, 23 goal assists,1 pickup) over the line, disrupting Austin’s ability to gain an attacking ball and forcing the Vixens to play backwards. With five minutes to go, the Mavericks called a tactical timeout, and they continued to convert 100% of their gained ball. The Vixens will need to be clearer on their strategy moving forward.

Q2 | Mavericks 31 – 31 Vixens

Austin opened the second quarter with the first goal, while Kate Moloney (21 feeds, 12 goal assists, two pickups) led the team in pickups, showcasing her impact around the court. The Vixens found their groove, moving the ball effectively into their attacking end. A tactical timeout at 11 minutes saw Emily Mannix (four gains, two intercepts, 2 rebounds) return to the court, though the team struggled with shooting accuracy during the period. The Mavericks called a tactical timeout with seven minutes remaining, but Mannix was able to gain some crucial ball for the Vixens. Austin kept the Vixens in contention, scoring a super shot with just over a minute left to bring the margin to one point, followed by another super shot in the final 20 seconds to level the scores. The Vixens wrestled back momentum, setting up an exciting second half.

Q3 | Mavericks 49 – 45 Vixens

Pressure intensified in the second half, with the Vixens calling a tactical timeout as the Mavericks held a three-point lead with seven minutes remaining. Jamie-Lee Price (35 feeds, 25 goal assists) proved a real threat in the midcourt, while both teams brought strong physicality to the contest. In the final five minutes, Austin slotted a crucial super shot, keeping the Vixens in striking distance as the match continued to heat up, but pressure from the Mavs led the home with the advantage coming into the final quarter.

Q4 | Mavericks 71 – 72 Vixens

Despite trailing, the Vixens maintained their intensity, refusing to let the game slip away. Heading into the final 10 minutes, the Mavericks called a tactical timeout with a six-point lead, but the pressure and physicality from both sides only continued to build. Austin stepped up in the final four minutes, slotting a super shot to reduce the margin to two, as the crowd roared with the rising intensity. Garbin followed with a crucial goal to bring it back to a one-point difference with three minutes remaining, before Austin nailed another super shot to edge the Vixens ahead 61–60. The Mavericks responded with the final shot of regulation, sending the game into extra time.

Garbin proved pivotal in the extra period scoring 9/11 attempts, as the Vixens took control early to lead 68–65 at the first break. The physical contest continued right to the final moments, with the Vixens holding a narrow two-point lead with just a minute to play. In an incredibly close and competitive finish, the Vixens held on to claim a thrilling 72–71 victory, maintaining their unbeaten record in both the Melbourne Derby and the 2026 season.

THE NUMBERS

9 - The number of deflections combined between Jo Weston (3), Kiera Austin (3), Kate Moloney (2), Kate Eddy (1) and Emily Mannix (1), showcasing their defensive abilities.

THE COACH SAYS

Di Honey was happy to continue the Vixens winning streak and all players getting some game time.

She game insight on to what she was thinking throughout the game and the confidence she has in her team.

“I was really confident, as I said their experienced athletes and been there so many times before and our fitness is at a great quality... I was confident that we would come out for the best, which happened.”

Di reflected on the key learnings from todays derby.

“We really need to attack the ball and the leads got to be strong on the take, at this next level and as you can see today if you slow down on the take or don’t take that extra step onto the take they just come flying through.”

She highlighted different performances from the team in such a high intensity game.

“Sophie Garbin takes some unbelievable takes… it does make it easier for Kip too when she’s taking balls like that.”

“All round I was really happy with the defence end… they did get the ball and I think that turned the game for us.”

NEXT UP
The Vixens will take on Sunshine Coast Lightning at John Cain Arena on Sunday 5 April for our first home game.

ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.
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