Vixens to exploit home comforts in netball grand final
Vixens coach Simone McKinnis is urging her side to stay hungry as they prepare to take on a formidable West Coast outfit on Saturday at Rod Laver Arena.
The Vixens booked their spot in the decider with a stirring comeback over the NSW Swifts, turning around a 10-goal deficit at the final change to win by one in the dying seconds.
West Coast finished on top of the table but McKinnis's side avoid the RAC Arena fortress thanks to Super Netball's controversial policy of selling hosting rights for the decider.
A hostile environment at RAC Arena went a long way towards helping West Coast undermine top-two side NSW, with the Fever pulling off a 77-45 semi-final mauling.
McKinnis won't let her side become too carried away, given the Vixens' season almost ended when the Swifts powered to a 51-41 lead at three quarter-time.
"We lacked a bit of dynamic movement and punch and attack at times," McKinnis said.
"When changing in the defensive structures, we didn't adapt well all the time.
"We've got to take what we have to out of this because up against a Fever, you don't get a second chance or a look.
"They don't give you much chance."
Vixens captain Kate Moloney, who played in the club's 2020 grand final win at Brisbane venue Nissan Arena during COVID-19, can only imagine the bonus of creating a fortress for a decider.
"It hasn't quite sunk in. That game, just the fight that we showed, I'm pretty exhausted right now," Moloney said.
"It's amazing that we get to have (a grand final) at home.
"The last grand final that we won was in a hub, and we didn't get to share that with our Melbourne Vixens fans.
"They've been with us this whole time. They've sold out John Cain Arena each week.
"It's an amazing reward for them as well, that we get to go home and we get the opportunity to hopefully go all the way."
The NSW Swifts were left lamenting what could've been after suffering straight-sets finals exits.
"We probably just looked a bit too far ahead today," Swifts co-captain Maddy Turner said.
"We probably saw ourselves already like, that foot in the grand final at three-quarter time, so again, another learning."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Australian
an hour ago
- The Australian
Vixens win Super Netball title with first Australian team
The three finals games from the Melbourne Vixens have to be seen to be believed. How did they do it? What that team has managed is quite the unfathomable fairy tale. The timing couldn't be more telling. With conversations getting fierce as recruiting season is underway, the floodgates have been opened to New Zealand players and the ongoing conversation around how many imports are too many continues. How are we going to continue to create future Diamonds if the key positions are filled by internationals? Enter Melbourne Vixens. Whether you view the grand final as an upset or inevitable triumph doesn't matter. One thing that the Simone McKinnis-led Melbourne side did, that is quite the aberration in Super Netball, is win the whole damn thing without one international player in their side. A squad brimming with Diamonds and emerging Australian talent, spanning ages 19 to 32. Every single one of their contracted 11 players was Australian. It is a stat that nobody would have predicted, me included, when assessing which team list was going to win the competition at the start of the season. While other teams have been investing in tall, athletic internationals - particularly those holding shooters and dynamic defenders who can dominate in the circle - the Vixens doubled down on the traditional Australian approach. What makes this even more interesting is that it challenges the assumption that internationals will clog the lists to win Super Netball and a fair portion of Australian talent will be left without a home. Some of the best players in the competition are from other countries, that is without question. Latanya Wilson, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and Romelda Aiken- George have all been sensational for this competition, and I think we have all been envious of the teams that get to have these players on their lists. But perhaps the Vixens' winning formula may start to influence future recruitment strategies across the league. Does it prove that the Australian way is still the winning way? Or perhaps is it a combination of the Vixens having exceptional depth in Australian talent, a recruiting policy that dates back to 2008 that Victorians have to make up a majority of the team? Then add in the culture-creating formula of a team that has key personnel that have been together for a number of years, always hovering somewhere around that top 4. The irony is that this approach — which some critics worry might be diluted by too many imports — actually proved to be the most effective formula when it mattered most. The Vixens' grand final performance was a masterclass in why Australian netball has been so successful on the world stage for decades. I for one am not at all wanting to diminish the contribution of internationals who play our game. I say whoever fits in, let them come. I just think it's some food for thought that perhaps we shouldn't be so worried about the future of the competition. Perhaps the Australian talent will continue to rise to the occasion when it matters most. As we now enter the chaotic recruiting season, it is timely to assess where each team is at. Expect the signings to come through thick and fast this week. MELBOURNE MAVERICKS We now know that Eleanor Cardwell has left, as well as Liv Lewis. Jessie Grenvold for me will be a player that will be hot property for a lot of teams; perhaps with Lewis leaving, this is a spot they are hoping Grenvold will take up. Assuming Jaimee-Lee Price may end up signing here, they need a ready-made goal attack/shooter to play a key role with Shimona Jok. Unsure if Sascha Glasgow is the player - talk is she is ready for a change. QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS It would make sense that if New Zealand players had a destination, it would be with one of their own, under Kiri Wills in Queensland. With some spots up for grabs, a defender like Karin Burger or Kelly Jackson will fit right in, and I can't help but think with extra New Zealand talent in one team, perhaps that's where the rise of the NZ style of play will really take hold. SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING Another team that are packed with Aussie talent if you look at their 2025 list. Stoked to see Ash Ervin sign - an important talent to have on court. Courtney Bruce has another year on her contract, they need her fit for a season. Down the shooting end, I think we may see some changes. Steph Fretwell in their season ending round 14 match didn't seem convinced she would be in the mix, and the only shooter confirmed for 2026 so far is Cara Koenan. Could this be an opportunity for Reilly Bacheldor or will the Lightning be looking for something different? MELBOURNE VIXENS From all reports, they are locked and loaded for 2026. The biggest question mark is over who will be coaching this premiership-winning team. With plenty of speculation and a recruiting process that is still ongoing, we all wait to see who nails down this role. Can't help but think about the pressure coming in after Simone, now they have managed the ultimate glory. GIANTS Another team looking for a coach, and a few players to fill key roles. There have been plenty of rumours around a shooter for this side to replace Jo Harten. You would think they will be looking for a tall, more holding type to partner with Dwyer and Leatherbarrow. Perhaps this is where an international shooter could fill this void? Jamie-Lee Price leaving is a huge hole to fill, but with plenty of midcourt options around, will one of the Swifts midcourters move across to gain some consistent court time? WEST COAST FEVER After their incredible winning run this season, it's hard to fault their side. They would be pretty quick to sign Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard I would have thought, Sunday Aryang is a lock, and if fit, Ruth Aryang needs to come back in; the only question would be if Shanice Beckford is staying in the goal attack position. They could look to mix it up and see what else is out there - Olivia Wilkinson still on contract till 2026. Otherwise, you can only imagine what this side is capable of in 2026. ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS We will now see a new shooting line for this side with Romelda Aiken-George announcing her retirement and Lucy Austin leaving for other opportunities. Who will be the target under the post? I feel this will definitely be an international brought in - whispers are that one of the UK Super League shooters is on their way. Hannah Petty retiring will leave a gap for possibly Tyler Orr to return from the Super League. One thing Thunderbirds will be wrapped about – they have all 3 defenders signed, and Georgie Horjus is not going anywhere. NSW SWIFTS For me, the Swifts need to go all in on Teigan O'Shannassy. With Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner already signed for 2026, a fit O'Shannessy will add huge value. Interestingly, Grace Nweke isn't signed as yet – but you get the feeling this is just a timing thing. Her second season in SSN, plenty of learnings under her belt, next season could really be the launch pad for this Kiwi superstar. And in their midcourt, if Maddy Proud decides to return, where does that leave Allie Smith, Verity Simmonds and Sharni Lambden? You'd think Lambden would be signed shortly. The coach killers that sabotaged Super Netball's bottom four Bianca Chatfield Contributor Debuting for the Diamonds at just 18, Bianca established herself as one of the toughest defenders in netball, winning gold and silver medals at the Commonwealth Games, a World Championship and six titles with Melbourne Phoenix/Vixens. Netball The Vixens have celebrated their Super Netball title in the best way possible - by locking away a trio of in-demand stars. See all the latest moves in our Super Netball trade special inside. Netball Liz Ellis ramped up the push for netball to become an Olympic sport within minutes of Melbourne Vixens' title win. Now, more than 15,000 fans have joined the push — and you can to.
7NEWS
3 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Chris Scott hits out at ‘comedy' of AFL's ‘shocking contradiction'
Geelong coach Chris Scott has called out the AFL 's 'shocking contradiction' after threatening to blacklist the league's media arm. The premiership winner was forced to address star recruit Bailey Smith's fitness last week in response to the AFL website publishing audio of a conversation between the pair. Scott said he had understood audio was not being recorded and described it as a 'blatant intrustion'. 'If they keep doing that stuff, we won't let them in,' he said in a pre-match press conference. 'Because it was so misleading, the way that was reported. It was just not true.' The issue did not go further but Scott has now expanded on his issue with the situation, calling out the blurred lines of the AFL and its media arm. Speaking on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters, he said he remains 'annoyed by it — and I'm going to contradict myself — for about five seconds'. 'If I'm going to be recorded you should let us know — and that's not the deal. They're coming in there to get vision,' Scott said. 'If they're secretly recording us, no worries, it's open slater, we're just not going to let you in.' The dual premiership coach said in fact his frustrations lie with 'the broader issue' of what the AFL asks of football departments. Scott has been a vocal critic of the soft cap, which was cut during COVID but will be increased next year in part influenced by the Cats coach's situation. 'The AFL, it's a comedy in the context of soft cap cuts and all the changes post-COVID,' he said. 'But the AFL keep layering stuff on top of the clubs in relation to the broadcast. 'I don't (think it's unfair) — I think it should be promoted but not at the expense of footy departments. 'At the same time they're saying we're going to increase obligations on you, while we're cutting the soft cap. That's a shocking contradiction. 'So when AFL Media — and they pretend there's this Chinese wall (from the AFL itself), I would question that — but when they do stuff like that, that compromises the relationship between the club. 'And I'd say our club has a great relationship with the media. We don't always get on but that's what makes it a good relationship, we can have back-and-forth.' Scott immediately reflected that he was 'inflaming' the matter because he had only 'thought about it for five seconds'. Clearly, though, it still rankled that Cats supporters were left to believe Smith had another hamstring problem. 'I wouldn't normally clarify this but he was actually saying 'it's not my hammy, I've got a bit of a tight adductor, I'm going to do some run-throughs,' Scott said. 'So then the media would say why don't you be more transparent with us and we go around in circles. 'I'm not doing a very good job of showing that I'm not annoyed (laughs).'
The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Won't miss it': Demons remain without permanent home
It was the 10-word punchline that said everything. As a shocked Simon Goodwin articulated his sacking as Melbourne coach, he delivered a cheeky parting shot that broke the ice of a serious press conference. "Probably what I won't miss is driving down to Casey," Goodwin said when referencing the Demons' outer-suburban training facility. But Melbourne's lack of a permanent, singular home is no laughing matter. "Without a doubt it's a challenge," Goodwin said. "(Ex-Demons player and current scout) Kelly O'Donnell is probably the longest serving person here and he's been waiting since 1979. "Hopefully Caulfield will get up and running soon and everyone will be under one roof." Melbourne's football and administrative operations are split like no other club in the AFL. The Demons share their training between Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, about 53km from Melbourne's CBD, and Gosch's Paddock in the Olympic Park precinct. Melbourne's administrative staff operate out of AAMI Park, and some still out of offices at their long-time home ground of the MCG nearby. The Demons were based out of the Junction Oval in St Kilda from from 1986 until 2009, but moved because they were forced to train elsewhere in the off-season to accommodate cricket. Melbourne want to build a new home at the Caulfield Racecourse, but that is not guaranteed to be approved, nor is there any timeline on when it may happen. The Demons were able to end their 57-year premiership drought in 2021 when the whole competition was disrupted and unsettled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Melbourne president Brad Green was adamant the club had given Goodwin the best chance to achieve sustained success. "These last five or six years, Simon has been resilient through that period," Green said. "He's a leader. He's a great coach. "It's never easy when there's change. We don't shy away from that as a board." Goodwin's successor will deal with the same challenges, like trying to recruit star players without a secure and comfortable headquarters. Premiership coaches Adam Simpson and John Longmire, who exited their respective clubs West Coast and Sydney last year following long stints, are certain to be on Melbourne's wish list. Simpson and Longmire, former teammates at North Melbourne, will appear in their regular Wednesday night slot on Fox Footy's AFL 360 program. It was the 10-word punchline that said everything. As a shocked Simon Goodwin articulated his sacking as Melbourne coach, he delivered a cheeky parting shot that broke the ice of a serious press conference. "Probably what I won't miss is driving down to Casey," Goodwin said when referencing the Demons' outer-suburban training facility. But Melbourne's lack of a permanent, singular home is no laughing matter. "Without a doubt it's a challenge," Goodwin said. "(Ex-Demons player and current scout) Kelly O'Donnell is probably the longest serving person here and he's been waiting since 1979. "Hopefully Caulfield will get up and running soon and everyone will be under one roof." Melbourne's football and administrative operations are split like no other club in the AFL. The Demons share their training between Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, about 53km from Melbourne's CBD, and Gosch's Paddock in the Olympic Park precinct. Melbourne's administrative staff operate out of AAMI Park, and some still out of offices at their long-time home ground of the MCG nearby. The Demons were based out of the Junction Oval in St Kilda from from 1986 until 2009, but moved because they were forced to train elsewhere in the off-season to accommodate cricket. Melbourne want to build a new home at the Caulfield Racecourse, but that is not guaranteed to be approved, nor is there any timeline on when it may happen. The Demons were able to end their 57-year premiership drought in 2021 when the whole competition was disrupted and unsettled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Melbourne president Brad Green was adamant the club had given Goodwin the best chance to achieve sustained success. "These last five or six years, Simon has been resilient through that period," Green said. "He's a leader. He's a great coach. "It's never easy when there's change. We don't shy away from that as a board." Goodwin's successor will deal with the same challenges, like trying to recruit star players without a secure and comfortable headquarters. Premiership coaches Adam Simpson and John Longmire, who exited their respective clubs West Coast and Sydney last year following long stints, are certain to be on Melbourne's wish list. Simpson and Longmire, former teammates at North Melbourne, will appear in their regular Wednesday night slot on Fox Footy's AFL 360 program. It was the 10-word punchline that said everything. As a shocked Simon Goodwin articulated his sacking as Melbourne coach, he delivered a cheeky parting shot that broke the ice of a serious press conference. "Probably what I won't miss is driving down to Casey," Goodwin said when referencing the Demons' outer-suburban training facility. But Melbourne's lack of a permanent, singular home is no laughing matter. "Without a doubt it's a challenge," Goodwin said. "(Ex-Demons player and current scout) Kelly O'Donnell is probably the longest serving person here and he's been waiting since 1979. "Hopefully Caulfield will get up and running soon and everyone will be under one roof." Melbourne's football and administrative operations are split like no other club in the AFL. The Demons share their training between Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, about 53km from Melbourne's CBD, and Gosch's Paddock in the Olympic Park precinct. Melbourne's administrative staff operate out of AAMI Park, and some still out of offices at their long-time home ground of the MCG nearby. The Demons were based out of the Junction Oval in St Kilda from from 1986 until 2009, but moved because they were forced to train elsewhere in the off-season to accommodate cricket. Melbourne want to build a new home at the Caulfield Racecourse, but that is not guaranteed to be approved, nor is there any timeline on when it may happen. The Demons were able to end their 57-year premiership drought in 2021 when the whole competition was disrupted and unsettled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Melbourne president Brad Green was adamant the club had given Goodwin the best chance to achieve sustained success. "These last five or six years, Simon has been resilient through that period," Green said. "He's a leader. He's a great coach. "It's never easy when there's change. We don't shy away from that as a board." Goodwin's successor will deal with the same challenges, like trying to recruit star players without a secure and comfortable headquarters. Premiership coaches Adam Simpson and John Longmire, who exited their respective clubs West Coast and Sydney last year following long stints, are certain to be on Melbourne's wish list. Simpson and Longmire, former teammates at North Melbourne, will appear in their regular Wednesday night slot on Fox Footy's AFL 360 program.
