Diamonds pair to lead Vixens in 2025
Long-time captain Kate Moloney will continue leading the Melbourne Vixens in 2025, joined by Australian Diamonds teammate Kiera Austin who has been named vice captain for the first time.
Voted each year by the Vixens’ athletes, coaches and support staff, Austin’s elevation to the leadership role comes off the back of a stellar domestic and international season in 2024, including claiming her first Sharelle McMahon Medal as the club’s most valuable player.
“We’ve always had such strong leaders like Kate and Em [Mannix, currently on parental leave] at the Vixens, so it’s very special to be voted into the vice captain role,” the 27-year-old goaler said.
“I really love supporting and connecting with my teammates, and I’m excited to work with Kate to keep building that culture of connection and see what we can achieve together as a group this year.”
A quintessential leader synonymous with the Vixens brand for netball fans across the country, 32-year-old Moloney has captained or co-captained the side since 2017.
“I never take this role for granted, it’s a privilege to lead this club and I think Kip brings something fresh and different to our leadership space as well which is exciting,” Moloney said.
“I’m really pleased for Kip, she leads by example and her care for her teammates is such a strength, to have that recognised by the group in this way is well-deserved,” said head coach Simone McKinnis.
“The Vixens culture is something we’re exceptionally proud of, and since joining the club Kip’s consistently demonstrated our core values – I’ve loved seeing her leadership qualities shine as much as her performance on court.
“Kate’s record speaks for itself, it’s a privilege for me to coach an athlete and person of her calibre and I can’t overstate what she contributes to our group as a leader each year.
“I think Kip and Kate will make a great team. There are similarities and differences in how they lead but they both put the team first, they really value connection, and they both want the absolute best for their teammates and for our club.”
The Vixens begin their Suncorp Super Netball season in Adelaide on Saturday 5 April, in a grand final rematch against reigning champions the Thunderbirds. They’ll face GIANTS Netball in their first home game at John Cain Arena the following week on Sunday 13 April.
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We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of all the lands and waters where netball is played throughout Victoria and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We also wish to recognise the tremendous contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to sport, and in particular netball in Victoria. We are committed to a journey of Reconciliation, working to break down barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across our state.
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The Melbourne Vixens compete in Australia’s premier netball league, Suncorp Super Netball.
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