By Chloe Pilkington
The Melbourne Vixens remain undefeated in the 2024 season, pulling off a nail-biting one-goal win against the Adelaide Thunderbirds. The home side expertly demonstrated their prowess, running down the clock to secure their victory in the dying seconds of the game.
It was an intense battle from the opening whistle, with both teams gunning for their second win of the season. The Adelaide Thunderbirds’ defence caused havoc for the Vixens, as Latanya Wilson forced the first turnover of the match with her quick closing speed. Alongside her fellow international teammate Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, the defensive duo brought immense pressure early into the Vixens’ attack end.
Both sides looked unable to steady in the first quarter, with a flurry of turnovers keeping the score level. But it was the hosts holding a one-goal lead going into the first Power Five. Kiera Austin signaled fearlessness to take aim from anywhere, draining two consecutive Super Shots to bring her side in front by three at the end of the opening term 14-11.
The second quarter saw the Thunderbirds use the full width of their bench, bringing Laura Scherian into the match at wing attack and key player Georgie Horjus into the shooting circle at goal attack. Horjus claimed her role as playmaker for the TBirds, coming away with an impressive 29 circle feeds, as well as shooting at 94 per cent.
For the home side, it was a slow start in the second term as they struggled to find their rhythm. It was the new mid-court duo of captain Kate Moloney and newcomer Zara Walters who willed their team along. Walters showed no signs of fear in her second appearance with the Vixens, playing with impeccable poise and feeding confidently to Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin under the ring.
The Vixens’ fans lifted the roof off John Cain Arena as crowd favourite Jo Weston ran onto the court for her first time in the 2024 season, subbing on during the second Power Five. After trailing for the first time of the match, Kiera Austin came up with another crucial Super Shot and the home side were able to keep their noses in front by two going into the main break 27-25.
The intensity of the match ramped up during the third quarter, with both sides playing with more urgency. After going goal-for-goal, the Thunderbirds surged ahead to hold their biggest lead of the game 33-37 as the hosts were smothered by the defensive arms of Sterling-Humphrey. But a string of Super Shots off the hot hands of Garbin and Austin tied the scoreline up at 40 a-piece, bringing the home crowd to their feet.
With neither side wanting to blink first, the speed of the game steadied and the scoreline continued to remain equal going into the final Power Five. Kiera Austin drained her sixth Super Shot of the match, giving the Vixens a one-goal lead over the Thunderbirds. But Lucy Austin kept her team in the running, sinking a one-pointer to tie up the score again.
This is when the Melbourne Vixens displayed their clinical experience, expertly running down the clock before handing off the ball to Kiera Austin who sunk the winning goal in the final seconds of the hard-fought match, bringing the final score to 54-53.
The Vixens remain undefeated and take on the GIANTS next week at Ken Rosewall Arena, while the Thunderbirds will be looking to get back into the winner's circle as they match up against the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
