By Matt Fotia
Long term Melbourne Vixens coach Simone McKinnis said a lack of intensity and belief were the key drivers behind their 68-43 loss to the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
The Vixens were completely outclassed in the Major Semi Final, going down to the minor premiers for the second time inside a month.
McKinnis’ outfit had just 44% possession for the match, managed 101 Nissan Net Points as a collective (the Thunderbirds had 516) and converted just 46% of their centre passes into scores.
The Vixens only managed eight gains and five intercepts for the match, highlighting their inability to stop the Thunderbirds ball movement. The reigning premiers didn’t have the same issues, finishing the game with 24 gains and 10 intercepts.
McKinnis didn’t hide her frustration post-game.
“Really disappointing,” McKinnis stated.
“It was one of our worst performances, but credit to the Thunderbirds they were very good, right from the word go.
“They had a super game and have earned the right to be in a Grand Final.
“We have a second chance and we’ve got to make the most of it.”
The Vixens have lost three of their last four matches and their coach admitted her side wasn’t playing at its best.
“It’s about hitting the court with confidence and belief and in some ways, we hit the court with hesitancy,” McKinnis said.
“Hesitate and the game is taken out of your hands.
“It’s about going back to what works for us, our game, that connection as a team and just going for it.
“You have to bring finals intensity.”
The premiership winning coach tried everything to get her side back into the contest, making 37 positional changes in the last three quarters alone.
Three players had stints in centre and goal defence, youngster Lily Graham experienced plenty of court time, while Kate Eddy, Kate Moloney and Jo Weston all had stints in wing defence.
Weston said the increased game time for Kate Eddy was one of the few positive takeaways from the 25-goal defeat.
“We pride ourselves on the variety we have out on court and our ability to utilise all ten players,” Weston said.
“Defensively I thought it was great to see Kate Eddy out there for a few more minutes than what she had last week.
“She really brings that first ball contest and I think that’s something we need across the transverse line, because we need to win ball out the front.
The Vixens now host this Saturday’s Preliminary Final at John Cain Arena, against a Fever side full of confidence after they defeated the Sunshine Coast Lightning by 10 goals in Sunday’s Minor Semi Final.
Weston, who has been a part of two national league premierships, believes the Vixens still have the capability to win this year’s title.
“We have the capacity within our team, within our coaching and our support staff, to win this premiership and getting to the grand final is the first step.”
