Vixens v Magpies preview

With finals next week, this game will play a role in deciding who they will line up against in the semi final, with the Magpies’ season on the line.

Vixens captain Kate Moloney was disappointed they didn’t walk away with the win to the Lightning but was impressed with the team’s performance early in the game.

“The first half of the game against Sunshine Coast was great. That intensity we were lacking against the previous week against the Swifts was there, but unfortunately we couldn’t hold it together for the last half,” Moloney said.

“That’s definitely an area we’re going to work on going into the Magpies game this weekend.”

“Round seven was the first time we’ve lost to the Magpies - they came out absolutely firing in their defence end and we’ve learned a lot from that.

“I think the improvement they’ve had since the World Cup break is enormous, so we’ll have to look really closely at them and make sure we bring our attacking game.”

Vixens defender, Jo Weston said it’s always a contest when they take on their Victorian rivals but is excited for the challenge it will bring.

“It is a really big game this week. For us, defensively we’ve seen their attacking end perform really strongly recently,” Weston said.

“Shimona was phenomenal last week with her strong holds and same with Nat Medhurst with her great feeds into the circle, which is something we’ll be trying to tackle defensively.

“We’ve seen real patches in our game, so now it’s about having a consistent four quarters and even just consistency within the quarter and not having any lapses.”

Earlier this week, Suncorp Super Netball announced the Vixens will host the minor semi-final at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, Parkville at 1.00pm on Sunday 1 September with the opponent to be determined this round.

“I’m absolutely not fussed who we play in the semi-final. The aim is this weekend, we know that to be preparing best for finals that we need to have a really good game and our focus is purely on Magpies this week, and from there whoever we play against, we’ll wait and see,” Moloney said.

“The positive about playing at the State Netball and Hockey Centre is that we do train here, so it does feel like we have that home advantage.”

“We’ve been really lucky, the Vixens fans have got around us all year and have been filling Melbourne Arena, so it is a shame that the league wasn’t able to lock in Melbourne Arena or another arena in the precinct but we’re feeling positive about it and looking forward to it.”

The Vixens will take on the Collingwood Magpies on Sunday 25 August at 1.00pm at Melbourne Arena. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketek. As Collingwood are hosting, Vixens members will receive a 10% ticket discount, members must quote the password VIXENS14 when purchasing ticket via Ticketek to receive the 10% discount.

Tickets to the minor semi-final at the State Netball and Hockey Centre will be on sale Monday (members) and Tuesday (general public). Details can be found on SuperNetball.com.au.