Vixens upset Fever in Super Netball final thriller
McKinnis announced mid-season she was departing after 13 years at the helm, sparking a turnaround in form from the Vixens.
Despite taking the scalps of reigning premiers Adelaide and the highly-fancied NSW Swifts during the finals, the closest the fourth-placed Vixens had got to minor premiers the Fever in two meetings was 10 points, back in round three.
But the Vixens played a fearless brand of netball in front of a sold-out crowd of 15,013 at Rod Laver Arena to quell the Fever and make amends for last year's grand final loss to the Thunderbirds.
CLUTCH..Watch live on Kayo Sports, Foxtel and Binge. pic.twitter.com/iRFAdjKbvj
— Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) August 2, 2025
It ended a record run of 13 straight victories for the Fever heading into the decider.
The first quarter was an arm-wrestle as the fierce rivals felt their way, with Fever goal-keeper Kadie-Ann Dehaney hitting the deck in the opening exchanges.
While the Fever edged ahead by two goals midway through the quarter, the Vixens took the honours 17-16, with a two-point super shot by Kiera Austin helping keep her team in front.
It put the Fever in unfamiliar territory - the last time losing an opening quarter back in round three against the Vixens.
The second quarter ended in similar fashion with the home side in front 33-31 with Austin again securing a vital super shot.
While West Coast's Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard still managed to shoot 27 goals for the half she was under plenty of pressure in the circle from Jo Weston, who was a stand-out for the Vixens.
The Fever drew level midway through the third quarter but the Vixens again kicked away after the injection of star wing attack Hannah Mundy, sidelined for the past month with a foot injury, and Melbourne led 48-43 at the break.
Having themselves pegged back an 11-goal deficit in the final quarter to down the Swifts, the Vixens were aware the title was far from won.
The Fever had a few late chances to level the match but Vixens goal-keeper Rudi Ellis managed to keep the ball from the clutches of Fowler Nembhard before Weston also spoilt their attack.
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