2023 by the numbers: Key stats from the Vixens’ home and away season

Leading from the front

Melbourne Vixens co-captain Liz Watson had a stellar home and away season, the midcourter amongst the competition’s elite in several key areas.

The only player in the league to spend every minute of all fourteen matches on court, Liz made every minute count.

Leading the competition with 531 feeds, she also provided the second most goal assists with 318, sitting just behind West Coast Fever’s Alice Teague-Neeld. She then added another 50 feeds and 23 goal assists in the minor semi final against West Coast Fever.

Her well-rounded performance across the home and away season saw her amass 1168 Nissan NetPoints; the 7th highest in the league.

Queens of the circle

MJ Kumwenda’s tenacity under the post shone through this season, the Vixens goal shooter backing up her 39 offensive rebounds by shooting 546 goals at 90% accuracy from Rounds 1-14. Kumwenda was on court for all but five minutes in the 2023 season.

Kiera Austin showcased her full-court prowess as goal attack, her impact not confined to the goal circle.

Shooting 281 goals, 45 of those being super shots, Kip also stepped up across the transverse line with 323 centre pass receives in the home and away season. With 13 intercepts and 27 deflections to her name, Kip also continued to build on her reputation as one of the best defensive attackers in the game.

Dynamic defenders

Jo Weston and Emily Mannix were a dynamic duo in defence this year, stealing 16 and 19 intercepts respectively in 14 rounds. Jo’s pressure was impressive, collecting 52 deflections and 45 gains, while also sitting in 8th in the competition for defensive rebounds with 17 in total.

Em claimed 41 gains and 12 defensive rebounds of her own, building on a strong pre-season to deliver one of her career-best seasons.

A constant nagging presence around circle edge, Kate Eddy yet again proved her value in wing defence and at times swung into goal defence. With 19 deflections, 16 pickups and 7 intercepts in the home and away season, Keddy’s suffocating presence combined beautifully with Jo and Em to create overwhelming full-court defensive pressure; she also continued her relentless work on transition to drive her side into attack.

Olivia Lewis has one of the league’s biggest leaps, something she often uses to counter tall holding goalers. Playing 345 minutes in Rounds 1-14 this season, Liv used her timing and elevation to make a significant impact against some of Super Netball's most prolific shooters.

She amassed 9 intercepts, 17 deflections and 5 defensive rebounds from her time on court, her vision and footwork confusing space and creating defensive opportunities at crucial moments.

Midcourt magic

Kate Moloney continued to be a workhorse in the midcourt alongside Liz, her 25 pickups the highest of the Vixens and placing her 7th in the League overall for the home and away season. Her quick footwork and drives through the centre court were extraordinary, registering 109 second phase receives to create space for the Vixens goalers.

Hannah Mundy broke triple figures in goal assists for the first time in her career, her 103 an impressive feat in 349 minutes on court. Coach Simone McKinnis often turned to Hannah’s strength and aerial capacity to bring something different in attack, and she repaid her coach’s faith with defensive effort as well with 11 deflections and 8 gains to her name.

Coming home strong

The Vixens became known for their strong finishes in 2023 winning nine fourth quarters, behind only the Adelaide Thunderbirds who won 10.

The team in navy registered five matches with single-goal margins, including winning three matches with a super shot on or after the buzzer.

With several high-scoring showdowns, the Vixens finished the competition with the third highest number of goals scored (883). 74% of those goals were scored from centre pass, highlighting the strong connections through the Vixens’ midcourt to under the post.