By Matt Fotia
After sitting comfortably in the top two of the Suncorp Super Netball ladder for the majority of the 2024 season, the Melbourne Vixens are faced with the possibility of missing the crucial double chance after back-to-back losses.
The Vixens went down to the West Coast Fever by one goal in a thrilling encounter at John Cain Arena, turning around a five-goal quarter time deficit to challenge the Fever late.
Last year’s Minor Semi Finalists were once again unable to field a full-strength side, with Diamonds squad member Hannah Mundy a late exclusion from the matchday squad due to a thigh complaint.
The Vixens have had key players missing across the season, with the likes of Jo Weston, Rudi Ellis, Hannah Mundy, Zara Walters, and Kate Eddy all spending time on the sidelines in 2024.
Sharni Lambden and Gabrielle Coffey have appeared in their place.
Veteran mentor McKinnis said while the inconsistent availability of her squad has been a challenge, there have been positives to take from the forced rotations across the campaign.
“It’s been a challenge this year, but every team has had their different challenges,” McKinnis said.
“We look at the positives and that’s the exposure players have had across the year.
In a big plus stalwart Kate Eddy returned to the court for the first time since round 5, playing 20 minutes and collecting one gain and one intercept in a welcome return to the fold.
Youngster Lily Graham also impressed in her 29 minutes, shooting 17 goals, including six super shots, while Zara Walters was the pick of the Vixens in her first full game since returning from an injury battle of her own.
Lily Graham was a real threat during the Power Five.“Kate Eddy and Lily (Graham) got some great minutes out there,” McKinnis said.
“Zara’s put out a full sixty minutes in a really tough game and it’s been a long time since she’s done that.”
Walters had 48 feeds, 28 assists, 17 centre pass receives and 113.5 Nissan Net Points in the one goal loss and has made a big impression on her coach in her debut season.
“The first time she had some match play after her rehab it was like she hadn’t missed a beat,” McKinnis said.
“She just takes it on, there’s no fear, she’s excited about any challenge that comes, and I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who is as diligent and just so good about the rehab (process).
“She’s a great quality person and a really good player.”
The Vixens will travel to Queensland this weekend where they will face a 6th placed Firebirds at Nissan Arena. It’s a clash they must win to earn their right to a top two spot.
