By Sophie Taylor
Stability has been key for the Melbourne Vixens since the beginning of Suncorp Super Netball, but that could be all about to change after a mammoth signing period.
A reset could be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Departures left holes in each third of the Vixens’ squad, but some smart recruiting – and versatile options across the court - means the side is looking reasonably comfortable with its changes.
Can the Vixens work through their changes and maintain their consistency with another top four finish in 2024? Only time will tell.
Here’s a brief run through of the Vixens’ signing period.
Ins
Sophie Garbin (Collingwood Magpies)
Rudi Ellis (West Coast Fever)
Zara Walters (Victorian Fury)
Outs
Liz Watson (Sunshine Coast Lightning)
Rahni Samason (Northern Stars)
Olivia Lewis (Melbourne Mavericks)
Sophie Garbin will hope for a starting goal shooter role at the Vixens.2024 Squad
Shooters
Kiera Austin
Sophie Garbin
Mwai Kumwenda
Midcourters
Kate Moloney
Hannah Mundy
Kate Eddy
Zara Walters
Defenders
Jo Weston
Emily Mannix
Rudi Ellis
Predicted Starting Seven
GS: Sophie Garbin
GA: Kiera Austin
WA: Hannah Mundy
C: Kate Moloney
WD: Kate Eddy
GD: Jo Weston
GK: Emily Mannix
Versatility is key in the mind of head coach Simone McKinnis OAM this year, with majority of her squad able to cover more than one position and, most importantly, offer something different across the court.
The departure of Liz Watson was undeniably the biggest news of the signing period, but the Vixens have covered their bases nicely with Hannah Mundy more than ready to step into the wing attack role permanently. The speedy midcourter also offers coverage across centre and wing defence, with her adaptability and versatility making her a proven match winner.
Kate Moloney is not going anywhere, holding down the fort through the centre and set to be a real gamebreaker. A major leader amongst the group over the last several years, Moloney’s influence will assist incoming rookie Zara Walters, with the young gun elevated from the Victorian pathway and chomping at the bit for a breakout opportunity.
Kate Moloney and Hannah Mundy will be a powerhouse midcourt combination this season.The midcourt is rounded out by the versatile Kate Eddy, who is a reliable tall option with great closing speed and is more than capable of rotating back to the defensive circle.
The Vixens’ new-look defensive combination is looking very settled, with former training partner Rudi Ellis rejoining the fray after a stint at the Queensland Firebirds and West Coast Fever.
Jo Weston and Emily Mannix have proved a beast to overcome with many years in the side together, and the reintroduction of Ellis will be a handy tall option to have in the back-line. Factor in Eddy’s additional option, and the Vixens defence is looking like a tough ask for opposition teams.
Former Collingwood goaler Sophie Garbin has joined the fray for season 2024, jumping ship and into a likely starting goal shooter role alongside fellow Origin Australian Diamond Kiera Austin and Malawi veteran Mwai Kumwenda.
Garbin’s smarts and skills as a holding goal shooter made her a key acquisition for the Vixens, able to play a primary or secondary role in the circle and also capable of rotating into goal attack where required.
Austin’s evasive movement is not to be underestimated, with the classy goal attack able to hit the scoreboard from anywhere within the circle and also rotate out to wing attack if required.
Kumwenda has been a staple at the Vixens over a number of years, and will be itching to hold down her starting position. A creative mover with outstanding accuracy and plenty of star power, the Malawi veteran has developed her long-range accuracy over the past few years and will remain a major threat this season.
