Round 6 SN Reserves match report | Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures vs Vixens Academy

A 15-4 third quarter sealed the win for the home side who played a moving goal circle and rotated multiple impact players to claim their second win of the season.

Q1 | Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures 14 – 13 Vixens Academy

Vixens Academy head coach Wendy Jacobsen selected a relatively new-look starting seven for this match with Georgia Moody starting at goal attack and Taylah Brown in wing defence, while Ruby Pekin-Schlicht (GK) and Maggie Caris (GD) switched their usual positions. Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures also made significant changes to their starting lineup, moving Brooke Irlam into goal shooter, Adelaide Thunderbirds player Kayla Graham into goal attack, Adelaide Thunderbirds player Tayla Williams into wing attack (her first appearance this SN Reserves season), Adelaide Thunderbirds player Sophie Casey into centre, and Adelaide Thunderbirds 11th-player Lucy Voyvodic into wing defence.

Vixens Academy started the game strongly against this Suncorp Super Netball-experienced side with a 4-goal run led by the movement of Bella Hodgson in shooter and the vision of Zali Anderson in wing attack. Caris and Pekin-Schlicht confused space in defence to send multiple balls over the baseline, but Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures’ moving goal circle eventually found form to draw the score even (8-8) just before the power five. Both Graham and Irlam slotted super shots, and Mia Lavis came on for Vixens Academy to score her own (following her Melbourne Vixens debut in the afternoon), creating a 1-point lead to the home side at quarter time.

Q2 | Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures 29 – 26 Vixens Academy

The home side made no changes to begin the second quarter, while Vixens Academy brought Ruby Turner into goal defence for her quick footwork.

It was goal for goal to start the period, but Thunderbirds soon pushed ahead using shorter and sharper passes and bringing Jazmin McKay into goal defence. With the margin out to 3, Sahara Ball came on at shooter for Vixens Academy, while Brown and Turner picked up the intensity in defence to draw the scores level again. Lavis used her calm step back shot to gain the lead for Vixens, but it was short lived, due to midcourt defence of Voyvodic and the baseline drives of Graham at the other end of the court. Lavis scored the final goal to end the half down by 2.

Q3 | Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures 44 – 30 Vixens Academy

To start the second half, Vixens Academy brought Moody back on at goal attack while moving Lavis to goal shooter, Pekin-Schlicht to goal defence, and Caris to goal keeper. Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures brought Tabitha Packer on for her first minutes of the game at centre, and brought Watson back on at goal keeper.

The impact of both Packer and Watson in this quarter was immense, causing errors to Vixens Academy which soon became gains. With the margin out to 6, Hodsgon returned to goal shooter with Lavis at goal attack. A clash in the midcourt between Voyvodic and Brown also saw Turner back on at wing defence. Vixens Academy claimed multiple gains but couldn’t convert under pressure, while the Thunderbirds put their foot down via fast ball movement and a brilliant read of the play. The home side scored three super shots (1 Irlam, 2 Graham) to Lavis’ 1 in the power five to close out a dominant 15-4 quarter for a 14-point margin at three quarter time.

Q4 | Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures 54 – 43 Vixens Academy

Vixens Academy changed up their attack line for the final quarter by moving Anderson to centre alongside Moody in wing attack. Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures brought Lucy Denton on for her minutes of the game at wing attack, while moving Charlotte Walker back on a goal keeper, and switching the shooter’s bibs.

The midcourt shuffle worked for Vixens Academy, contributing to an early 3-goal run and the margin back to 10. O’Connor returned to court at centre for added defensive pressure. Down by 9 heading into the power 5, Lavis scored a super shot under pressure, but it wasn’t enough to claw back the lead. Graham slotted another super shot, and McKay claimed critical gains to stop a Vixens comeback and ultimately win the game by 11.

THE COACH & CAPTAIN SAY

Vixens Academy captain Ally O’Connor discussed her mindset coming up against Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures’ experienced lineup, including four 2026 SSN contracted athletes, in this game. “We needed to disrupt their connections while respecting they are a good side, however trusting in our game plan and that we can match it… It was a very physical game and we probably didn’t match their intensity. Definitely a learning curve for us.”

O’Connor said the team will regroup and prepare to face Melbourne Mavericks Reserves in the final game of the regular SN Reserves season next week. “It's going to be a strong competition given the Melbourne derby. These [recent] losses have given us a fire in the belly and we’re ready to give it a red hot crack.

“Obviously winning next week is important, however, having consistency over 60 minutes will be crucial for our finals campaign the week following.”

Head coach Wendy Jacobsen was proud of her side’s start against a quality opposition in this match. Disruptions and errors allowed Thunderbirds to convert on the scoreboard beyond the reach of a winning fourth quarter from her side.

Georgia Moody provided impact playing across goal and wing attack. “Georgia is an extremely hardworking and competitive player who took her opportunity and is able to open up spaces and create ball speed through the court,” said Jacobsen.

NEXT UP

Vixens Academy play the ladder-leading Melbourne Mavericks Reserves in the final home and away game of the Super Netball Reserves season on Sunday 7 June at John Cain Arena at 4.15pm – prior to the Round 13 Melbourne Vixens vs Melbourne Mavericks game. Admission is included with all SSN tickets to this match.

Stream all Super Netball Reserves games via Kommunity TV/Code Sports and keep up to date with scores via Play HQ.