By Rosie Gale
The Vixens have made a strong bid for the top spot, after defeating the Firebirds 62-52 at Nissan Arena.
With the top position likely decided by just a few percentage points, the Vixens now have to wait and see.
Their clinical performance put them in the best possible position, overcoming a passionate Firebirds side determined to give retiring captain Kim Ravaillion a memorable send-off.
The Firebirds fought valiantly, preventing the Vixens from extending their lead beyond 10 goals. Kiera Austin delivered a standout performance and was named player of the match. Meanwhile, it was an emotional farewell for Firebirds skipper Kim Ravaillion.
“I can’t believe I’m here. To think that early in my career I had setback after setback — achieving what I have here in Queensland is the best feeling in the world,” Ravaillion said post-match.
Eager to secure hosting rights for the Major Semi-Final and a crucial double chance in this year’s Preliminary Final, the Vixens made a fast start on the Firebirds' home deck, dominating early possession and control of the ball.
Kiera Austin’s opener, coupled with strong play from midcourt powerhouse Hannah Mundy, ignited the Vixens' finals campaign.
Despite the Firebirds' early intensity and their ability to match the Vixens' gain-to-goal rate in the first term, the quarter belonged to the Vixens. They piled on five consecutive goals in the first four minutes, putting the Firebirds’ defensive line under serious pressure.
Lara Dunkley was outstanding, delivering seven goal assists, three center pass receives, 13 feeds, and two deflections in the opening term — the most of anyone on court.
In the latter stages of the quarter, the Firebirds focused on damage control, managing to limit the Vixens' scoring and mount a late comeback. Pressure from Lara Dunkley and Hulita Veve resulted in a flurry of goals for the Firebirds.
Wallam nailed her second Super Shot to close the gap to within two, and Tippah Dwan added an intercept, but they couldn't capitalise.
Trailing 15-13 against a polished Vixens outfit, the Firebirds had plenty of work ahead after this opening exchange.
The Firebirds aimed to retaliate against Melbourne in the second quarter after the Vixens' intense start.
Retiring captain Kim Ravaillion stepped onto the court, and playmaker Donnell Wallam soon scored, putting the Firebirds ahead.
When the Firebirds needed a leader, Ravaillion rose to the occasion, leading the team in Nissan Net Points for the quarter as they fought to stay in the game.
However, the Vixens capitalised on their chances, dominating possession and maintaining an eight-point lead as the Firebirds struggled to build momentum.
To compete, the Firebirds needed to increase their physicality and adjust their leads and angles to penetrate the Vixens' strong defense. Improving their shooting accuracy was also crucial.
The Vixens ramped up their defensive pressure, with Rudi Ellis (one rebound, one intercept, one deflection) and Emily Mannix (two deflections) leading the charge. By halftime, they had secured a 31-23 lead.
The Firebirds made key adjustments at halftime, subbing Emily Moore out for Wallam and repositioning Dawn back to goal attack while Ravaillion returned to the bench. Gardner took over at centre and Dunkley moved to wing attack.
The Vixens aimed to maintain their momentum from the second quarter—and they did just that.
Austin and Garbin ignited the second half, netting three goals within a minute and amassing a combined 44.5 Nissan Net Points for the quarter. Garbin was flawless, shooting at 100% accuracy.
The Vixens capitalised on turnovers, extending their lead to 12 goals at one point in the third quarter.
Queensland's errors continued to mount as Wallam struggled with her signature over-the-back flick and Dwan committed five unforced turnovers, leading to her substitution for Super Shot specialist Emily Moore at goal attack.
Wallam stepped up with a powerful Super Shot, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the 10-goal deficit heading into the final change.
The final term was destined to be a battle, with the Firebirds playing their best netball when driven by passion. They came out strong.
There was no holding back from either side at Nissan Arena. Garbin remained consistent, tallying 32.5 NNP, while Gardner battled one-on-one with Kate Maloney.
The Firebirds' defensive pressure and the crowd's roar surged after a crucial tactical timeout. They capitalised on a held ball call to score, even as the Vixens secured their biggest lead of the season.
Gardner created another opportunity for the Firebirds, but as had been the story of the day, they couldn't quite finish it off. In a clutch moment, Wallam sank another Super Shot but it wasn't enough.
For the Vixens, it was all about maintaining their percentage as they tried to withstand the Firebirds’ momentum swing. When Austin scored her 24th goal from 26 attempts, hope seemed to fade for the home side.
However, a miss from the Vixens and a rebound from Kamo kept the Firebirds fighting.
It wasn't the outcome retiring captain Rav had hoped for, but the Firebirds fought valiantly until the end. The Vixens have regained momentum and are now eyeing a potential double chance in the finals just one week away.
