Key squad changes:
In – Caitlin Thwaites
Potential starting 7:
GK – Emily Mannix
GD – Jo Weston
WD – Renae Ingles
C – Kate Moloney
WA – Liz Watson
GA – Tegan Philip
GS – Caitlin Thwaites
Given the talent among the 2018 squad, the Melbourne Vixen’s absence from last year’s finals tournament was one of the biggest surprises of the season.
After a strong showing at the Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup tournament and the acquisition of goal shooter Caitlin Thwaites from Collingwood, they will come in to the season as one of the favourites to win it all in 2019.
From shooter to keeper and everything in-between, Melbourne is filled with Australian Diamonds.
Few teams can boast a stronger defensive pairing than Emily Mannix and Jo Weston.
Mannix has fully recovered from a finger injury suffered midway through the 2018 season and should continue to develop into one of the best play-readers in the league.
Inspirational captain, Kate Moloney, leads a midcourt consisting of Liz Ellis Diamond winner Lizzy Watson and Renae Ingles that should control almost any opposition they’ll face over the course of the season.
With the addition of Thwaites, the Vixens now have a legitimate 500+ goal a season threat to go along with established shooters Tegan Philip and Mwai Kumwenda.
Look for the Vixens to bounce back from a disappointing 2018 season and go deep into the finals.
The Vixens will raise the curtain on the 2019 season against the Firebirds at home on April 27 at 3PM as part of a double header at Melbourne Arena. It will be a huge day of netball as all tickets will get fans access to both games.
For the full 2019 fixture, head here.
