Round 2 match report | GIANTS vs Vixens

Emily Mannix made her first Suncorp Super Netball appearance since 2024, returning from parental leave. Fans made plenty of noise as the defender returned to the court.

Our Vixens goal shooter Sophie Garbin reached an incredible milestone, hitting 2000 Suncorp Super Netball goals. This achievement is a testament to her dedication, consistency, and elite skill, marking one of the biggest individual accomplishments in the league.

Q1 | GAINTS 15 – 18 Vixens
From the opening quarter, the Vixens established a strong presence through Sophie Garbin’s commanding hold in the circle, helping create a well-balanced and composed shooting end. Despite pressure from GIANTS shooter Lucy Austin, the Vixens remained settled, with Garbin (42/48, 11 feeds, 6 goal assists) unafraid to work high out of the circle and combine seamlessly with Kiera Austin (18/21, 15 feeds, 13 goal assists). Their connection and movement allowed for both attacking opportunities and defensive resets, while their confidence to look at the post and deliver was evident. Garbin capitalised on this control, shooting a perfect 9 from 9 to cap off an efficient and assured first term.

Q2 | GIANTS 25 – 37 Vixens
It was an end-to-end contest as both sides posed a strong challenge, with Jo Weston (9 gains, 9 deflections, 5 intercepts) consistently applying pressure to Sophie Dwyer. Emily Mannix (6 deflections, 4 gains) made her presence felt upon taking the court playing her first game since 2024. While Sophie Garbin reached a significant milestone, shooting her 2000th Suncorp Super Netball goal. The Vixens’ ball movement was particularly effective, using clever fakes to draw GIANTS defenders and open up space under the post. Austin added to the momentum, finishing with a perfect three from three super shots for the half. In a highly contested battle, the Vixens took control to lead by 12 at the main break.

Q3 | GIANTS 38 – 51 Vixens
The GIANTS’ attack was met with strong resistance as the Vixens’ attacking line worked effectively to draw defenders in, with Austin driving and Garbin timing her movements off the screen to create space under the post. By the time the GIANTS called a tactical timeout, having scored seven goals in the quarter, the Vixens had already matched that with eight goals with seven minutes remaining. Lily Graham took the court for the first time in the 2026 season, interchanging with Kiera at GA, while Zara stepped into WD, swapping with Kate Eddy. The Vixens maintained a high work rate, moving the ball quickly down court with patience and efficiency. Using width and depth, they controlled the tempo in contrast to the GIANTS who rushed to keep pace, with the Vixens taking a 13-point lead into the next break.

Q4 | GIANTS 52 – 68 Vixens
Austin continued her attacking work as the Vixens maintained strong defensive pressure, with Weston leading the charge. Every player was executing their role effectively, contributing to a well-rounded team performance, with captain Kate Moloney (23 feeds, 16 goal assists, 6 pickups) at the charge, displaying her consistency and drive. With eight minutes remaining, the Vixens called a tactical timeout to ensure options and availability in the goal circle, while Walters swapped into WA, taking over for Mundy. The team remained calm and composed with a substantial lead. In the remaining minutes Graham returned as GS, finishing the game with a perfect super shot in the final three minutes.

THE NUMBERS
2000 – Sophie Garbin scored her 2000th Suncorp Super Netball season, an incredible achievement for our Vixens goal shooter.
128.5 - Kate Moloney tallied the highest Net Points, showcasing her intensity and work rate with 23 feeds, 16 goal assists and 6 pickups.

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

“I’m proud I’ve got everyone on, they all got the opportunity to get on court, and I felt that our ball speed was really good today. We controlled especially the first half… still a bit to work on but overall, really happy.”

She highlighted Emily Mannix’s excellent performance with her SSN return.

“She’s been a great leader for years and she’s just a smart player and quite clever with what she does. When she came flying out and got it, I was like yes Em go, but we had to hold her back, she wasn’t quite ready last week, but we did a lot of work and I think it paid off today.”

NEXT UP
The Vixens will take on Melbourne Mavericks at John Cain Arena on Saturday 8 April.

ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.
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