Round 6 match report | Vixens vs Thunderbirds

The Melbourne Vixens returned to John Cain Arena for a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash against the Adelaide Thunderbirds, with the Vixens claiming a 56-50 win.

Q1 | Vixens 11 – 14 Thunderbirds

The top-of-the-table clash opened at a high intensity, with both sides going goal for goal in a fiercely competitive start. Sophie Garbin (25/30 attempts, 10 goal assists, 2 rebounds) led the Vixens’ attack with an accurate shooting performance, while Shamera Sterling-Humphrey made her presence felt early in defence, collecting two intercepts in the opening term. Up the other end, Elmeré van der Berg was strong and composed for the Thunderbirds, proving a tough presence in attack. With both teams applying relentless pressure and contesting every possession, it was the Thunderbirds who edged ahead to take a 14–11 lead at quarter time.

Q2 | Vixens 24 – 26 Thunderbirds

The Vixens began to find more space across the court, lifting their intensity as they looked to better control the speed of the game. Kiera Austin (26/29 attempts, 14 feeds, 12 goal assists) led the charge in attack with her strong shooting accuracy, while Hannah Mundy provided a physical presence through the midcourt, connecting well into the attacking end. With seven minutes remaining, the Vixens called a tactical timeout to reset, and it paid off late as Austin calmly nailed a super shot in the dying seconds to reduce the margin to just two points.

Q3 | Vixens 40 – 42 Thunderbirds

The connection between Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin came to life in the third term, with their chemistry driving a dominant Vixens attacking end that was full of energy and intent. As the Vixens lifted their drive, the Thunderbirds were forced into a tactical timeout with 5:30 remaining, while defensive changes saw Kate Eddy (3 gains, 3 deflections, 2 pickups) shift into goal defence and Jo Weston (3 gains, 2 deflections) move to goal keeper. Austin took control in the super shot period, nailing crucial long-range efforts to bring the margin back to just one, before Garbin stepped up to sink her first super shot of the season, levelling the scores at 40-40 with just 1:30 left on the clock.

Q4 | Vixens 56-50 Thunderbirds

Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin continued to showcase their strong connection inside the circle, combining with confidence and precision as the Vixens built momentum. With 10 minutes remaining, the Vixens hit the front for the first time in the match, reflecting their growing chemistry and ability to control the tempo across the court. Their ball movement became more composed and efficient, allowing them to take full control of the contest. Jo Weston’s defensive pressure was relentless, proving a constant challenge for the Thunderbirds’ attacking end, while Hannah Mundy (30 feeds, 14 goal assists, 2 gains) and Kate Moloney (24 feeds, 7 goal assists) drove the Vixens forward through the midcourt with purpose and strength. It was a fast, clinical final quarter from the Vixens, as they maintained control and finished strongly to secure a hard-fought 56–50 away win.

THE NUMBERS
100 – Kiera Austin reached an incredible milestone of 100 Suncorp Super Netball games while playing an outstanding game with 26/29 attempts, 14 feeds, 12 goal assists and two deflections.

THE COACH SAYS

Head Coach Di Honey on the Vixens spoke on the Vixens push back in the fourth quarter and how it was a turning point in the game.
“They tend to just get it together in the last quarter, the execution and everything just flows... it’s good to see they can do that, so hopefully it continues.”

Di was impressed by Kiera’s ability to land super shots at crucial moments.

“I’m glad she’s on my team, she’s very calm out there and I think that projects to the others as well.”

She then looked to next week’s clash against West Coast Fever and the Vixens game.

“Things don’t change too much but we’ve got to make sure we get our game right and what we want to do.”

NEXT UP
The Vixens will take on West Coast Fever Arena on Sunday 26 April at RAC Arena.

ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.
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