Vixens Academy | Round 5 preview

Stick around after the Melbourne Vixens game at John Cain Arena to cheer on the next generation of Victorian pathway talent, including new Vixens debutantes Ally O’Connor and Ruby Pekin-Schlicht.

A close game is expected in Round 5, with both sides coming off a loss and keen to cement their place in the SN Reserves top four.

QBE Swifts Academy have shown their ability to mount a comeback and close out pressure matches with 1-point wins over GIANTS Netball Reserves in Round 1 and Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts in Round 3. Their side includes a balanced mix of experienced state pathway players and up and coming talent.

In the goal circle this week, Vixens Academy co vice-captain Maggie Caris with Ruby Pekin-Schlicht, Ruby Turner, and Gabby Dwyer will be up against the experience of NSW Swifts 2026 11th player Nicola Barge (dependent on SSN court time); the height of 2026 Australian 19/Under Squad member Sophia Martinussen; and long range accuracy of co vice-captain Lauren Woods. Wagga Wagga netballer Ava Moller provides further depth across both goaling positions.

In the midcourt, captain and NSW Swifts training partner Courtney Castle has been a dominant and speedy presence across wing attack this season, calling for the trademark defensive pressure of Vixens Academy’s Taylah Brown. Likewise, fellow NSW Swifts training partner Eliza Burton has played almost every minute of the SN Reserves season at centre, creating a key target for Vixens Academy captain Ally O’Connor and Casey Dunstan to slow down.

In wing defence, QBE Swifts Academy have rotated Isabella Maher, Harlym Jennings (part of the gold winning 19/U team at the 2026 National Championships) and Isabella Degei, requiring game plans for all three athletes from Vixens Academy co vice-captain Zali Anderson. Her consistency and precision in attack have been a reliable force for the home side this season.

QBE Swifts Academy defence lineup has been led by captain Charlotte Raleigh in goal keeper and Paige O'Neill in goal defence. Raleigh is a natural leader on court, while O’Neill is an exciting young talent who was the grand final MVP in the gold medal winning 19/U game at the 2026 National Championships. Expect Vixens Academy head coach Wendy Jacobsen to continue strategically rotating her versatile shooting lineup of Mia Lavis, Bella Hodgson, Sahara Ball, Georgia Moody, and Lily Graham (dependent on SSN minutes) in this match. Lavis in particular has been an on court leader this season, showing her ability to stand up in pressure moments and play across both goaling positions as required.

Chloe Baker, Whitney Mueller, and Brooke Patterson complete QBE Swifts Academy’s 2026 squad (excluding injured athletes), but are yet to take the court this season.

Vixens Academy vs QBE Swifts Academy

Sunday 24 May, 6.30pm AEST, John Cain Arena (following the Melbourne Vixens vs NSW Swifts Round 11 SSN match). 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