Finals Day 3 SN Reserves match report | Vixens Academy vs Capital Darters

After an evenly scoring first quarter, Vixens Academy pushed ahead through a superior centre-pass-to-goal rate and well-timed personnel changes.

Q1 | Vixens Academy 12 – 12 Capital Darters

Head coach Wendy Jacobsen selected a tried-and-true starting lineup for Vixens Academy’s final game of the 2026 season: Bella Hodgson (GS), Mia Lavis (GA), Zali Anderson (WA), Ally O’Connor (C), Taylah Brown (WD), Ruby Pekin-Schlicht (GD) and Maggie Caris (GK). Likewise, Canberra Capitals opted for their most experienced starting seven headlined by homegrown Zimbabwean international Nalani Makunde at goal shooter, and former NSW Swifts squad member Kelea (Clare) Iongi at goal defence.

Both sides adjusted to the pace of the game early, with Vixens Academy capitalising on an early gain, before Capital Darters established a lead. A perfectly timed rejection by Caris on Capital Darters’ goal attack Kiars Bloor helped give Vixens Academy momentum, enhanced by the relentless work of O’Connor and Anderson cherishing the ball in attack, and the hustle of Brown in wing defence, to create a 3-goal lead. In the power five, Bloor and Makunde both scored super shots, while Vixens couldn’t convert their attempts through Lavis, to end the quarter 12-12.

Q2 | Vixens Academy 29 – 21 Capital Darters

Capital Darters regained the lead early in the second quarter, but Vixens Academy’s patience in attack soon paid off to be up by 2. Both sides then struggled to push ahead with missed goals via Lavis and Bloor and an offensive contact to Makunde. Rebecca Howarth was exceptional in goal keeper for Darters but the team’s turnovers continued with footwork errors and balls sent over the baseline. Ruby Turner was introduced at goal defence for Vixens Academy prior to the power five, which the Victorians went into with a 6-point lead. Lavis found her shooting form again when sinking a swish super shot, before Darters responded with one of their own. O’Connor and Brown continued their defensive work in the midcourt to claim intercepts and pickups while increasing the ball speed in attack. Turner and Caris combined superbly to stop any goals in the last 3.5 minutes from Canberra using well timed jumps over Bloor’s shot to cause a held ball and pressuring Makunde. Vixens Academy ended the 17-9 quarter with an overall 8-point lead.

Q3 | Vixens Academy 46 – 30 Capital Darters

Capital Darters made some changes to begin the third, moving Luana Aukafolau to wing attack, bringing Malia Harrison into goal defence, and introducing Alice Henman at centre.

The new combinations took time to settle that Vixens Academy capitalised on early, converting gains caused by Darters’ wayward passes and errors. Up by 13, Sahara Ball came on at goal shooter for Vixens Academy. Anderson and O’Connor continued their work on the circle edge, overcoming the more physical presence of Henman and Ashley Weller, who was brought on at wing defence midway through the period. A goal-for-goal period ensued before the power five, which Vixens Academy went into with a 15-point lead. Bloor sank one 2-pointer supported by Olivia Clark who was injected at goal shooter for Darters.

Turner and Caris both picked up intercepts, helping Vixens Academy to a second consecutive 17-9 quarter, and an overall 16-point margin at three-quarter time.

Q4 | Vixens Academy 62– 45 Capital Darters

Both sides changed their goal defence for the final period, with Pekin-Schlicht returning for Vixens Academy, and Taylah Kiss coming on for Capital Darters. It was largely goal-to-goal to start the quarter, with Bloor and Clark combining well for Canberra. O’Connor and Caris both claimed intercepts that were converted, allowing Vixens Academy to eventually push out their lead. Iongi came back on for Capital Darters at goal keeper but the change made little impact with Vixens Academy going on 4-goal run. Not content on dropping their heads, Darters responded with their own 3-goal run for an 18-point margin going into the final power five. Clark scored a super super, followed by 2 to Lavis delivered through the work of Georgia Moody who came on at wing attack. Clark slotted one final super shot for a 16-15 quarter to Vixens Academy and 62-45 final score.

THE COACH & VICE CAPTAIN SAYS

On how the team pushed ahead in the second quarter, Vixens Academy head coach Wendy Jacobsen said, “We continued to create opportunities to win ball, but we were able to convert all of our gained balls, and our centre pass conversion was also very high. We also defended better in the two-point time.”

Her standout player in this match was Taylah Brown. “She had an excellent game in wing defence today winning plenty of ball and attacking through court very strongly.”

Vixens Academy co vice-captain Zali Anderson was proud of her team’s defensive pressure in this game. “We were all on the same page with the defensive structures we wanted to implement, which allowed us to work cohesively and apply consistent pressure. As the game progressed, we were able to build momentum defensively, contest strongly, and force errors.”

While disappointed to fall short of the top four, Anderson said there were many positives to take from this season. “At the beginning of the season, we were still building combinations and learning each other's playing styles. As the season progressed, we've developed strong connections both on and off the court. Defensively, that's allowed us to trust one another and contest with confidence, while in attack we've been able to play with greater freedom and fearlessness…

“The opportunity to experience elements of the Super Netball environment through travel, playing in arenas, and competing against talented athletes from across Australia has been invaluable.”

Jacobsen added, “We have been able to really grow our brand of netball and it has been an absolute pleasure to work with all in this program.”