Round 8 match report | Vixens vs GIANTS

The Melbourne Vixens returned to John Cain Arena for a thriller against GIANTS Netball, with the Vixens claiming a 66-64 win.

Q1 | Vixens 21 – 15 GIANTS
The Vixens came out firing, racing to a 6–0 lead in the opening minutes and forcing the GIANTS to call a timeout just two minutes into the first term. The Vixens attacking end looked sharp from the outset, with smooth ball transition and strong timing into the circle creating constant scoring opportunities. Sophie Garbin’s (45/48, 13 feeds) smart movement and presence under the post proved difficult to contain, while Kiera Austin (15/18, 13 goal assistS) was back to her reliable best from super shot range. At the other end, Matisse Letherbarrow led the GIANTS’ attack, showcasing why she sits second in the league for super shots behind Austin. Despite her efforts, the Vixens’ dominance saw them close out the quarter with a commanding 6-point lead.

Q2 | Vixens 32 – 33 GIANTS
Kate Moloney (26 feeds, 15 goal assists) worked tirelessly through the midcourt, trying to lift the intensity and generate momentum as the Vixens looked to maintain control. Defensively, the Vixens disrupted the GIANTS’ midcourt flow, forcing them wide and limiting clean ball movement into the circle. Despite this, the GIANTS built momentum and clawed their way back within three goals, prompting a tactical timeout from the Vixens. Changes followed, Emily Mannix (2 gains, 1 intercept) took the court as the intensity lifted. Both sides battled hard for possession, but a late surge from the GIANTS highlighted by three super shots from Letherbarrow, saw them edge in front heading into the halftime break.

Q3 | Vixens 50 – 46 GIANTS
Zara Walters (17 feeds, 3 gains) continued to make her presence felt in wing defence, using her versatility and read of the play to contest and deflect key passages of ball. The Vixens responded strongly, pushing back to reclaim the lead as strong drives through the midcourt to circle edge from Walters and Hannah Mundy (19 feeds, 14 goal assists) kept pressure on the GIANTS’ defensive unit. Both teams worked relentlessly across the court, with the Vixens managing to maintain a narrow advantage for much of the term. A highly anticipated moment came with Lily Graham (2/3, 5 feeds) taking the court for the first time in the second half of the season, much to the excitement of Vixens fans. Up front, Sophie Garbin remained composed and reliable under the post, finishing the term with 13 goals, as the Vixens edged their way back into control and reclaimed the lead heading into the final break.

Q4 | Vixens 66 – 64 GIANTS
A tight final term saw only a few points separating the sides as the Vixens managed to stay in front. Coming into the last five minutes, they held a three-goal lead before the GIANTS attacking end hit a supershot to level the scores with three minutes remaining. The stakes and intensity were high, with Vixens fans on the edge of their seats. Garbin and Austin’s chemistry proved crucial in the closing stages as both sides pushed under immense pressure, with the Vixens aiming to remain undefeated while the GIANTS hunted their first win of the season. The game was drawn again with one minute to go, but a crucial Vixens turnover proved decisive, allowing them to capitalise and ultimately secure a thrilling two-goal victory.

THE NUMBERS
57 - Jo Westons defensive presence didn't go unnoticed earning player of the match with 57 net points, 10 deflections, 3 gains and 1 pickup.

THE COACH SAYS
Head Coach Di Honey spoke on the Vixens performance and the GIANTS pressure throughout the game.

“We knew this would be a danger game, it was a great start but there where times where we have to learn from. We get up to a certain amount and then let the teams back in and we’ve got to learn from that.”

Di on Lily Graham taking the court today.

“I had every intention into putting her on today, she hasn't been 100% for around the past month or so, so it’s great opportunity I said you know what I’m going to put her on and see what she does.”

NEXT UP
The Vixens will take on Queensland Firebirds on Sunday 10 May at John Cain Arena.

ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.
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