Round 7 match report | Vixens vs Fever

The Grand Final rematch headlined a blockbuster Round 7 clash, with an ANZAC Day ceremony adding extra significance to the occasion. With plenty of history between the two sides, both teams took the court prepared for a fierce contest.

The Vixens stayed composed throughout, with their chemistry on full display as they outworked Fever in key moments, handing them their first home defeat since Round 1 of 2025. This leads to the Vixens stepping into the second half of the season undefeated.

Q1 | Fever 10 – 12 Vixens
Sophie Garbin (36/40, 90%) opened the scoring to get the Vixens rolling, while Kate Moloney (30 feeds, 16 goal assists) helped control the early flow through the midcourt, linking cleanly into the circle edge to keep momentum steady. Romelda Aiken-George for the Fever quickly became a focal point in attack, drawing heavy attention inside the shooting circle and testing the Vixens’ defensive structure early. The Vixens lifted in response, tightening up defensively around her and matching Fever’s intensity in a physical, high-pressure opening quarter where neither side gave an inch. Kate Eddy (4 gains, 3 pickups, 3 intercepts) injected real impact during the power five, pulling off crucial intercepts and reading the play brilliantly to swing momentum. With four minutes left, Fever called a tactical timeout as both teams continued to trade blows in a fast, momentum-driven start.

Q2 | Fever 20 – 27 Vixens
Hannah Mundy (25 feeds, 13 goal assists) delivered pinpoint feeding into the circle, giving the Vixens clean, consistent service into attack, where Sophie Garbin remained a strong and commanding presence under the post, finishing well and maintaining pressure on the scoreboard. The Vixens pushed the margin out to a seven-goal lead with four minutes remaining, building control heading into the back end of the half. As the power five approached, Kate Eddy shifted into goal defence and made an immediate impact with added defensive pressure, while Zara Walters (7 feeds, 4 goal assists) moved into wing defence and lifted the intensity through the midcourt. The Vixens went into halftime firmly in control, setting the tone with a composed and disciplined first-half performance.

Q3 | Fever 29 – 42 Vixens
Emily Mannix took the court as Kate Eddy shifted back into wing defence, strengthening the Vixens’ defensive structure. Sophie Garbin continued to hold strongly in the circle, providing a reliable target and finishing with composure. Jo Weston (3 gains, 2 rebounds) led a disciplined defensive unit, applying strong pressure, pulling in key rebounds, and controlling the space effectively. The Vixens’ transition through the court was seamless, with clean ball movement driving their momentum, and they converted at an impressive 80% from centre pass. A strong finish to the third term saw the Vixens head into the final quarter with a 13-goal lead.

Q4 | Fever 44 – 50 Vixens
The Vixens remained patient and dominant under pressure in the final quarter, with Sophie Garbin using her space under the post and the team’s execution staying composed in key moments. The Vixens called a tactical timeout with a 12-goal buffer and eight minutes remaining, but Fever lifted their intensity and pressure to take the quarter 6–5. In the final stages, Fever continued to fight back, closing the margin to just five points with 90 seconds left, but despite the late surge, the Vixens held firm to secure the win through strong defensive pressure across the court.

THE NUMBERS
73- Kate Eddy earned Player of the Match while gaining 73 net points, four gains, three intercepts and three pickups showcasing her defensive pressure.

THE COACH SAYS
Head Coach Di Honey spoke on the Vixens pressure and structure as a whole.
“I think the defence end is doing really well. I’m wrapped with them... I think it’s starting to pay off and we’re getting the ball when needed.”

“I felt we went a bit wide down the attack end, probably halfway through. So we need to address that in training next week.”

Di on Kate Eddy’s Player of the Match performance.

“She's been so good, and shes been working really hard at training, so I was really wrapped with what she did today."

NEXT UP
The Vixens will take on GIANTS Netball on Sunday 3 May at John Cain Arena.

ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.
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