By Rosie Gale
In a top of the table clash at RAC Arena, the Melbourne Vixens stamped their authority with a resounding victory over the previously undefeated West Coast Fever.
The Vixens arrived in Perth with a hunger to dethrone the undefeated Fever in their highly anticipated top of the table clash. Still reeling from a tough loss to the Sunshine Coast Lightning in Round Six, the Vixens were determined to bounce back with a vengeance.
Standing tall as a formidable obstacle for the Vixens was the league's most dominant goal shooter, Fowler Nembhard, whose towering presence and scoring prowess posed a significant challenge.
Executing a flawless game plan, the Vixens capitalised on uncharacteristic errors from the Fever, seizing control of the match. Defensive stars Emily Mannix and Rudi Ellis showcased brilliance in shutting down Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, while Kiera Austin's exceptional performance in the GA position proved instrumental in securing the victory. Austin's impressive stats—104.5 Nissan Net Points, 16 goal assists, 17 center pass receives, 22 feeds, and shooting at an impressive 95%—underscored her pivotal role in the triumph.
“We worked really hard in training this week, I think we were all a bit disappointed in what we wanted to put out there (last week against the Lightning) and when you do the work, the results come,” MVP Kiera Austin said post-match.
The Vixen’s intent from the opening whistle was clear, with plenty of options, clever play and speedy ball movement. Emily Mannix set the physical tone from the outset, winning a screamer intercept from a cross-court ball, a deflection and 16 Nissan Net Points in the opening term as Kate Moloney tried to get the ball going.
Kiera Austin was strong in the opening stanza against Sunday Aryang, doing a wealth of work out front, scoring nine from 10, collecting 4 centre passes and 4 feeds. The Fever found their spark in Fran Williams, who was electric for the team in green. Williams excelled in her one-on-one duels, effectively shutting down Sophie Garbin and providing a crucial boost for her side.
It was a tit-for-tat battle until Power Five time, when Shanice Beckford lit up the court with incredible athleticism and four consecutive Super Shots, propelling the Fever to a 22-19 lead at quarter time.
A terrific second-quarter surge from the Vixens saw them seize control of the game, taking the lead on the scoreboard. Kiera Austin continued her dominant performance for the away team, amassing an impressive 44.5 Nissan Net Points. She added six goal assists, seven center pass receives, six feeds, an intercept, and shot with 100% accuracy for the quarter.
Austin and Garbin executed flawless screens and rotated seamlessly together. The dynamic duo, Kate Moloney and Hannah Mundy, were flawless through the middle. They maintained their composure and provided a wealth of attacking options, mixing up their feeds and keeping the Fever defenders constantly guessing.
Sitting in structure, Emily Mannix and Rudi Ellis were clinical in defense, forcing eight turnovers from Shanice Beckford and ultimately sending her to the bench. Heading into the half-time break, the Vixens appeared firmly in command, boasting a six-goal lead (42-36) on the scoreboard.
There was a clear renewed sense of vigour about the Fever early in the second half, lifting their pressure, and chipping away at the scoreboard. However, the Vixens remained composed, sticking to their game plan with precision, gradually widening their lead as the match progressed.
Garbin orchestrated a seamless play by feeding Austin under the post three consecutive times, leaving the Vixens defenders in disarray. Defensively, the Vixens exhibited remarkable pressure, strategically disrupting the Fever's feed and flow in the attacking end.
The intensity soared as bodies collided and hit the deck, with both teams displaying sheer determination to secure possession. Kelsey Browne re-emerged onto the court just before Power Five time, her knee strapped, ready to make an impact in the center position.
In a stunning display of skill, Rudi Ellis swooped in with a brilliant intercept against her former teammate Fowler-Nembhard. With only a minute left in the third quarter, Garbin's precision under the post propelled the lead to 10 points, leaving the ladder leaders baffled and in uncharted waters– trailing by 11 heading into the final quarter.
The Fever initiated a flurry of changes in a bid to orchestrate a comeback in the final quarter. Olivia Wilkinson took to the court in the GA position, Jess Anstiss assumed control at C, while Sunday Aryang shifted to WD, with Fran Williams joining the defensive line in GD; meanwhile the Vixens opted to stick to their starting line-up.
The first two of the game went to the Fever, trying to make in-roads early and with the memories of last week well and truly front in mind, the Vixens well and truly knew they had their work cut out for them to secure the win.
Exhibiting a masterclass in patient netball, possession remained paramount for the Vixens throughout the remainder of the match. Fowler-Nembhard's clutch Super Shot narrowed the gap for the Fever, bringing them within seven points. Wilkinson had a chance for another, but couldn't capitalise.
Just when it seemed the Vixens were on shaky ground, they managed to secure a crucial goal. However, Fowler-Nembhard wasn't finished, sinking yet another Super Shot to reduce the deficit to six.
Despite Fran Williams' relentless defensive efforts, Austin remained composed, and Garbin's massive offensive rebound and finish further extended the Vixens' lead to nine goals.
Despite the Fever's valiant efforts, the table-toppers ultimately succumbed to the relentless onslaught of the Vixens, who emerged victorious with a final score of 76-65 at RAC Arena.
