By Rosie Gale
The Melbourne Vixens asserted their dominance in a commanding performance, clinching a resounding 21-point victory over the Thunderbirds in a thrilling showdown at John Cain Arena.
From the opening whistle, it was evident that the Thunderbirds were determined to make their mark, scoring the first three goals of the match. However, the Vixens swiftly regained their composure, launching a second-quarter blitz that saw them seize control of the game.
In the opening quarter the visitors seemed undeterred by the absence of star players Tippah Dwan and Captain Hannah Petty who were both out due to injury after Round 9’s win over the Firebirds.
Shamera Sterling made an impactful start for the team in pink, with a rebound, two intercepts, and a deflection in a formidable first term. Her stellar performance propelled the Thunderbirds to a three-point lead (14-11) over the Vixens as the first quarter came to a close.
But the Vixens produced a second onslaught, exploding out of the blocks after the break. The home side showed their experience, and their willingness to move the ball quickly through the middle corridor was evident.
Despite the Thunderbirds mid-court owning the top of the circle, the Vixens defense were relentless. Emily Mannix had an impressive display with five intercepts, four deflections and 64.5 Nissan Net Points to her name in the first half.
Mannix delivered a crucial intercept on the baseline to level up the scores to 21 a piece and bulldozed through the opposition's offense on the circle edge to seal another impressive turnover late the first half.
Kate Eddie showcased her defensive prowess in the GD position for the Vixens (after Jo Weston was moved to the bench), applying relentless pressure on Georgie Horjus and creating opportunities for Mannix. Her strong presence disrupted the opposition's attacking flow, allowing the Vixens to mount a comeback, narrowing the gap to just two goals as the Power Five phase loomed.
Georgie Horjus's missed Super Shot attempt played right into the hands of Mannix, who secured possession. Capitalising on the opportunity, Keira Austin confidently sank her third Super Shot, extending the Vixens' lead to a commanding six points.
Lucy Austin commenced the third term with a composed goal under the post, yet a deflection from Hannah Mundy disrupted their flow, allowing the Vixens to find their rhythm and regain their composure.
The Thunderbirds' couple of wayward passes handed possession to the Vixens, who capitalised on the opportunity.
Jo Weston made her return as a formidable presence in the GD position, reinvigorating the Vixens' defensive line, while their lead extended to a commanding seven points.
Thunderbirds coach Tania Obst called a tactical time-out with just over three minutes in the third term.
Both Austin and Cardwell, in their pursuit of a pivotal Super Shot opportunity, faltered, resulting in missed chances for the Thunderbirds.
But in a confident display Mwai Kumwenda, converted a crucial Super Shot, extending the scoreline to a commanding 46-29 at three quarter time.
The Vixens unleashed a masterclass in the final quarter, overwhelming the Thunderbirds and extinguishing any glimmer of hope for a comeback. Despite a few minor errors, their performance was clinical and they maintained their dominant lead.
The home side’s unyielding Gain to Goal Rate of 100% suffocated the Thunderbirds, who could only muster a mere 25% conversion rate. Their relentless pressure and ruthless finishing left the Thunderbirds desperately searching for answers, struggling to find their scoring rhythm.
Once again, the Vixens asserted their dominance during the Power Five. Keira Austin carried forward her exceptional form from the past few weeks, making a compelling case for her inclusion in the Diamonds side. She displayed unparalleled accuracy, effortlessly slotting in a couple Super Shots away, reminiscent of a routine training day– holding five to her name.
Cardwell's missed shot added to their woes, while Mannix swooped in to snatch the rebound. It was a sequence that epitomised the Thunderbirds' frustrating run, while the Vixens capitalised on their opportunities with unwavering precision.
The Vixens triumphed with a convincing final score of 60-39, propelling them to second-place position on the ladder. Their commanding performance solidifies their status as a formidable contender in the 2023 competition.
