Preliminary final preview v Swifts

Presenting arguably their best team performance over the past month on the weekend, the Vixens will capitalise on their momentum as they head interstate back to the Quaycentre in Sydney.

Vixens defender, Emily Mannix was thrilled with the win and could not contain her excitement after the game, as not only was it the Vixens first finals win in Suncorp Super Netball’s history, it was also her first individual finals win in a Vixens dress.

“For the team to get their first win in finals was pretty special, but it was the first time I’ve actually ever won a final since being at the Vixens, so I think that’s why my reaction was a little bit over the top,” Mannix said.

“After our loss in round 14 we were pretty disappointed with our performance. It was cool that we got to play the Magpies again in that semi.

“Not a lot changed for us. It was more doing what we said we were going to do. We did look at them a little bit, but more of the focus was on us and what we needed to do to get over the line.

“Having the big win that we had against the Magpies was a great confidence booster for us, but I don’t think we can become complacent with that going up against the Swifts.”

Last time the Vixens met the Swifts was in Sydney in round 12 where the home team came out strong early in the game. The Vixens fought back in the second half but were unable to counteract the six goal difference in the end.

“We’ve lost to the Swifts both times this season so we need to take confidence from that semi final, but we also have a lot of extra work to do to get over the line with the Swifts.”

“We can only get better from those losses earlier in the season.”

“For us to make the grand final would be something so special. A lot of us have been playing together for a very long time now.

The Vixens will head to Sydney this weekend to take on the NSW Swifts on Sunday 8 September at 1pm at the Quaycentre.

The game will be broadcast live on Channel Nine and the Netball Live app and tickets are still available to be purchased at Ticketek.

For our Melbourne-based fans, we will be holding a viewing party at the Sporting Globe in Richmond to watch the game and cheer on the Vixens alongside other fans. There are only limited spaces, so get in quick!