Vixens claim the battle with the GIANTS

While the game started off tight in the first quarter, the Vixens were quick to kick into gear, with Kate Moloney and Renae Ingles leading from the front, providing both strong defensive pressure and rewarding attacking assistance.

Vixens head coach, Simone McKinnis was pleased the girls won all four quarters, especially after their slow start last week.

“It was obviously a focus that we wanted to get off to a good start. I’m rapt to get a point for each quarter,” said McKinnis.

While the Vixens dominated majority of the game at both ends, McKinnis highlights that there is plenty of room for improvement.

“It was a fantastic result, but I still think there were elements where it was quite scrappy. Our ability to score off every gained ball I think was well below 50%. I might sound harsh [laughs], but there is a fair bit I would want to be tidying up on.

“There is lots to work on, but I can’t question the work ethic and effort across the game.”

The defence work of Emily Mannix and Jo Weston across the four quarters was unbelievable, with Mannix finishing with 5 intercepts and Weston 2. Remaining composed throughout transition, Moloney, Ingles and Lizzy Watson worked hard to maintain possession and provide defence support.

“Something we felt we needed to build on from last week was that full court defence and I thought they did a good job,” said McKinnis.

For goalers Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip, the pressure was immense, but the duo did well to overcome the battle with the GIANTS.

“I think in particularly, Caitlin (Thwaites) opened it up in the second half. Giants are always a tough outfit to play against, and her ability to be able to use her speed and change of pace was important for us,” said McKinnis.

Vixen fans were introduced to Kadie-Ann Dehaney for the first time this season, holding her own against Caitlin Bassett in the final quarter.

“Kadie-Ann has been outstanding in the pre-season…she’s had exposure against Caitlin Bassett before, and I think it was good for her to be out there to see what it feels like as well.”

Captain and attacker Kate Moloney was named Nissan Player of the Match, finishing with an impressive 22 goal assists, 38 feeds and 2 turnovers that inspired her team.

It was exciting to see the match up of Moloney and Ingles against Kim Green on her 200^th.

“I said to Renae before the game it’s a fantastic opportunity to play on her in her 200^th. It’s an incredible achievement for Kim and the way she goes about her business is great to see. You love to be part of a game like that and seeing an athlete out there doing what she did,” said McKinnis.

The Vixens farewell Melbourne Arena this week and head to Adelaide on Saturday to take on the Adelaide Thunderbirds in search of their third win of the season.