By Phina Newton
Notorious for their strong starts, the Vixens were faced with a determined Swifts outfit. It was a tight contest in the first quarter, neither team pulling away. Sharni Lambden earned herself another start, despite Rudi Ellis being available. She was tasked with the tough match-up of Diamonds player, Paige Hadley, but she clearly did a good enough job, staying on for all four quarters.
The Swifts began their game with the likes of Sophie Fawns and Helen Housby, who were offering their team a different look in goals. Usually, these two only pair up for the Power Five, but the two moving shooters were able to keep the Vixens defenders on the move and unable to get comfortable. Poised to do well from super shot range, the Swifts couldn’t get many opportunities. Meanwhile, the Vixens had their chances but took three attempts in just one play to sink one.
Uneeq Palavi was very strong in the post.With only a few goals between them, the Swifts turned to new signing and Suncorp Super Netball debutant, Uneeq Palavi. She certainly didn’t play as if she was new to the league, coming off the back of a Championship and MVP win at the Pacific Netball Series. As a holding shooter, she forced the Vixens defenders to adapt quickly.
However, despite a promising show from Palavi, the Vixens were able to do better down the other end. It was Kiera Austin, who got her team on a role. Between her and Sophie Garbin, they were making plays with the ease of a training drill.
As the game progressed, the Vixens maintained their lead, but the margin went back and forth, from four goals, to ten. They looked comfortable but were yet to put their foot down and really pull away from their opponents.
Heading into the fourth quarter, fatigue set in for the Swifts, combine that with their co-captain, Maddy Proud going off after a collision, meant they were down on momentum. Finally, the Vixens were able to stretch out the lead and ultimately win by 20 goals.
