By Chloe Pilkington
The Melbourne Vixens maintained their composure to defeat the NSW Swifts 59-61 at Ken Rosewall Arena and remain unbeaten in 2024.
After a tough loss last week against a strong-suited West Coast Fever, the Swifts were looking to bounce back and return to the winning circle. However, the Vixens continued on their winning streak, racking up their fifth win of the season.
The Swifts were dealt an unfortunate blow, with key player Maddy Proud unable to take the court in Round 5 due to a knee complication. With big shoes to fill, it was Lili Gorman-Brown who stepped into the wing attack position and impressed early with strong second phase drives to the circle-edge.
Paige Hadley was also a workhorse for the Swifts’ attacking end, racking up 20 goal assists and 23 circle feeds in the first half alone. Hadley finished on 115 Nissan Net Points powered by e-powered, the highest across the court. But despite the efforts of the attacking lines, it was clear from the opening whistle that this heavyweight clash would hinge on the defensive impact of both sides.
The Vixens’ defensive duo of Emily Mannix and Jo Weston wreaked havoc in the Swifts’ shooting circle, with Weston sticking like glue to Swifts’ goal attack Helen Housby. Down the other end, it was Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner with strong hands over pressure against the cool, calm and collected shooting pair of Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin.
Going into the Power Five, it was a Super Shot masterclass from each team, with Garbin and Housby both draining consecutive shots. The Vixens kept their noses in front for the entirety of the first quarter and held a narrow one-goal lead going into the second term.
Momentum seemed to swing into the Swifts’ favour early in the second quarter, with the home side taking the lead for the first time of the match. But the Vixens’ maintained their composure, keeping the score locked at 23 a-piece going into the second Power Five.
Sophie Fawns entered the game for the Swifts at goal attack and made an instant impact, draining an all-important Super Shot. However, Garbin responded down the other end, sinking her own two-point long bomb.
It was Housby who came through for the Swifts during the clutch moments of the match, slotting in a Super Shot as the hosts trailed by one going into the main break. Although victory eluded them, Housby was a standout on court for the Swifts. The expert shooter nailed 10 Super Shots, as well as came away with one intercept and three crucial rebounds.
Nineteen-year-old Grace Whyte made her Suncorp Super Netball debut, coming into the game at wing attack for the Swifts in the third term. The youngster impressed with her quick changes of direction and provided multiple offers to the ball.
The Vixens put their foot down in the first ten minutes of the third quarter, running away with an eight-goal lead. But Housby kept her side in toe, burying four Super Shots to tie the game at 47-all on the buzzer.
The final term saw seesawing play, with neither side able to establish control under constant defensive pressure. But ultimately it was the discipline of the Vixens, led by player of the match Kiera Austin, which saw them through by the smallest of margins. Austin gave an almost flawless performance, finishing on 25/27 goals and three Super Shots.
The Melbourne Vixens will now look to host the Sunshine Coast Lightning, who are desperate for a win, while the NSW Swifts will take on the GIANTS at Ken Rosewall Arena.
