Latest news with #McKinnis
Perth Now
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Vixens book finals spot as McKinnis signs off in style
The Melbourne Vixens have given long-time coach Simone McKinnis a parting gift by booking a spot in the Super Netball finals with a tense 64-62 win over the Queensland Firebirds. The Vixens (8-5) climbed into third place at John Cain Arena on Sunday, leapfrogging both Adelaide and Sunshine Coast (both 7-6), who meet in the last round of the regular season. It means the Vixens will play finals regardless of the result of their last-round away clash with top team West Coast Fever. Down by five goals at the last change, Queensland rolled the dice late as super shots from Abigail Latu-Meafou and Emily Moore got them back within one. But the Vixens wound down the clock superbly in the final minute and sealed the result through outstanding shooter Sophie Garbin (42/47) in the dying stages. "We got the win but it wasn't enjoyable viewing," McKinnis told Fox Sports after her final home game at the helm before she stands down at the end of the season. "It was tough and I think at times we made it hard for ourselves as well, but I'm happy with the win." McKinnis led the Vixens to national titles in 2014 and 2020, and can now turn her mind to potentially adding a third before her 14-year tenure ends. The former Australian Diamonds star admitted she had to tackle plenty of extra emotion around her last home-court appearance as coach. "In the game not so much because it was just like, 'Come on, get the job done'," McKinnis said. "I've got family here and when I realised that they were all coming today because it was my last game here, it was a bit emotional. "So I think I was mindful of just staying pretty calm." Under pressure to confirm a finals spot, Melbourne dominated the first period and looked as if they would take complete control when they led 18-12 at quarter-time. But the Firebirds didn't read the script, surging back into the contest late in the second quarter to take a 32-31 lead at halftime. McKinnis demanded a greater work rate from her team in the second half and eventually got it. A three-goal deficit midway through the third period was turned into a 49-44 lead at the final change on the back of a 15-6 run. The last-placed Firebirds threatened to pull off a major upset in the dying stages but could not complete their comeback attempt. McKinnis welcomed the last-round Fever clash as a chance for the Vixens to make a statement ahead of the finals. "If you're fair dinkum and you want to be going and winning finals, then you've got to be able to beat the best," she said. "I think it's a great game for us to be heading over there."
The Advertiser
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Vixens find form after coach's surprising call to exit
Melbourne Vixens have rebounded from the shock news of the impending departure of long-serving coach Simone McKinnis with a 70-52 away win over Queensland Firebirds. In the first match since McKinnis surprised the netball world by announcing she was standing down at the end of this campaign, the Vixens tallied their highest score and biggest winning margin of the season. "Obviously the news of Simone last week was a big shock to us, so to go out there and play for her is something that really fuels us," Hannah Mundy told Fox Sports after starring in Brisbane. "Hopefully she's proud of that performance. "I'm really proud of the girls. We've had a tough couple of weeks. We haven't executed the basic skills we know we have. "So just to come out and play with freedom and play how we did is really exciting for the rest of our season." The Vixens faced the possibility of losing three straight games for the first time since the visitors produced an improved performance, breaking clear after an even first quarter. Both sides were guilty of numerous first-half turnovers, but Melbourne became more clinical and efficient as the game progressed, while the Firebirds continued to make mistakes throughout. The Vixens eked out a four-goal lead by halftime, doubled it to eight at the last change, then scored the first three of the final term to lead by 11. The Vixens now have a 3-4 record for the year, while the Firebirds (2-5) slumped to a fifth straight loss, and their failure to make the finals since 2018 looks set to extend another season. Vixens and Diamonds goal attack Kiera Austin, who has been below her best in recent weeks, produced a sparking performance full of energy. She made all five of her Super Shots, hitting 15 of 18 regular goals as Sophie Garbin landed 42 of 45. Midcourters Mundy and Kate Moloney gave the Vixens plenty of drive. Firebirds circle defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran worked hard, totalling match-high tallies of three intercepts and seven gains. Ugandan shooter Mary Cholhok made 26 of 30 shots for Queensland. Melbourne Vixens have rebounded from the shock news of the impending departure of long-serving coach Simone McKinnis with a 70-52 away win over Queensland Firebirds. In the first match since McKinnis surprised the netball world by announcing she was standing down at the end of this campaign, the Vixens tallied their highest score and biggest winning margin of the season. "Obviously the news of Simone last week was a big shock to us, so to go out there and play for her is something that really fuels us," Hannah Mundy told Fox Sports after starring in Brisbane. "Hopefully she's proud of that performance. "I'm really proud of the girls. We've had a tough couple of weeks. We haven't executed the basic skills we know we have. "So just to come out and play with freedom and play how we did is really exciting for the rest of our season." The Vixens faced the possibility of losing three straight games for the first time since the visitors produced an improved performance, breaking clear after an even first quarter. Both sides were guilty of numerous first-half turnovers, but Melbourne became more clinical and efficient as the game progressed, while the Firebirds continued to make mistakes throughout. The Vixens eked out a four-goal lead by halftime, doubled it to eight at the last change, then scored the first three of the final term to lead by 11. The Vixens now have a 3-4 record for the year, while the Firebirds (2-5) slumped to a fifth straight loss, and their failure to make the finals since 2018 looks set to extend another season. Vixens and Diamonds goal attack Kiera Austin, who has been below her best in recent weeks, produced a sparking performance full of energy. She made all five of her Super Shots, hitting 15 of 18 regular goals as Sophie Garbin landed 42 of 45. Midcourters Mundy and Kate Moloney gave the Vixens plenty of drive. Firebirds circle defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran worked hard, totalling match-high tallies of three intercepts and seven gains. Ugandan shooter Mary Cholhok made 26 of 30 shots for Queensland. Melbourne Vixens have rebounded from the shock news of the impending departure of long-serving coach Simone McKinnis with a 70-52 away win over Queensland Firebirds. In the first match since McKinnis surprised the netball world by announcing she was standing down at the end of this campaign, the Vixens tallied their highest score and biggest winning margin of the season. "Obviously the news of Simone last week was a big shock to us, so to go out there and play for her is something that really fuels us," Hannah Mundy told Fox Sports after starring in Brisbane. "Hopefully she's proud of that performance. "I'm really proud of the girls. We've had a tough couple of weeks. We haven't executed the basic skills we know we have. "So just to come out and play with freedom and play how we did is really exciting for the rest of our season." The Vixens faced the possibility of losing three straight games for the first time since the visitors produced an improved performance, breaking clear after an even first quarter. Both sides were guilty of numerous first-half turnovers, but Melbourne became more clinical and efficient as the game progressed, while the Firebirds continued to make mistakes throughout. The Vixens eked out a four-goal lead by halftime, doubled it to eight at the last change, then scored the first three of the final term to lead by 11. The Vixens now have a 3-4 record for the year, while the Firebirds (2-5) slumped to a fifth straight loss, and their failure to make the finals since 2018 looks set to extend another season. Vixens and Diamonds goal attack Kiera Austin, who has been below her best in recent weeks, produced a sparking performance full of energy. She made all five of her Super Shots, hitting 15 of 18 regular goals as Sophie Garbin landed 42 of 45. Midcourters Mundy and Kate Moloney gave the Vixens plenty of drive. Firebirds circle defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran worked hard, totalling match-high tallies of three intercepts and seven gains. Ugandan shooter Mary Cholhok made 26 of 30 shots for Queensland.
Perth Now
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Vixens find form after coach's surprising call to exit
Melbourne Vixens have rebounded from the shock news of the impending departure of long-serving coach Simone McKinnis with a 70-52 away win over Queensland Firebirds. In the first match since McKinnis surprised the netball world by announcing she was standing down at the end of this campaign, the Vixens tallied their highest score and biggest winning margin of the season. "Obviously the news of Simone last week was a big shock to us, so to go out there and play for her is something that really fuels us," Hannah Mundy told Fox Sports after starring in Brisbane. "Hopefully she's proud of that performance. "I'm really proud of the girls. We've had a tough couple of weeks. We haven't executed the basic skills we know we have. "So just to come out and play with freedom and play how we did is really exciting for the rest of our season." The Vixens faced the possibility of losing three straight games for the first time since the visitors produced an improved performance, breaking clear after an even first quarter. Both sides were guilty of numerous first-half turnovers, but Melbourne became more clinical and efficient as the game progressed, while the Firebirds continued to make mistakes throughout. The Vixens eked out a four-goal lead by halftime, doubled it to eight at the last change, then scored the first three of the final term to lead by 11. The Vixens now have a 3-4 record for the year, while the Firebirds (2-5) slumped to a fifth straight loss, and their failure to make the finals since 2018 looks set to extend another season. Vixens and Diamonds goal attack Kiera Austin, who has been below her best in recent weeks, produced a sparking performance full of energy. She made all five of her Super Shots, hitting 15 of 18 regular goals as Sophie Garbin landed 42 of 45. Midcourters Mundy and Kate Moloney gave the Vixens plenty of drive. Firebirds circle defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran worked hard, totalling match-high tallies of three intercepts and seven gains. Ugandan shooter Mary Cholhok made 26 of 30 shots for Queensland.
The Advertiser
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Lightning shock Vixens to go second on Super ladder
Sunshine Coast Lightning have banked back-to-back wins for the first time this season with Reilley Batcheldor helping keep the Melbourne Vixens at bay in their Super Netball clash. The Lightning kept a full house at John Cain Arena quiet on Sunday afternoon, posting a 62-50 victory over the home side, who announced post-match that Simone McKinnis would step down at the end of the season after 13 years as coach. Their fourth win of the season lifted the Lightning to second on the ladder, above West Coast Fever on points differential, while the Vixens remain second-last. With centre Leesa Mi Mi in constant motion, Lightning goal-shooter Batcheledor topped the scoring with 48 goals from 52 attempts for the match. Her performance allowed coach Belinda Reynolds to rest star shooter Cara Koenen, under an injury cloud, for the entire match. The Queenslanders led 14-11 at quarter-time but started to assert their dominance in the second term. McKinnis switched up her defenders, moving Jo Weston to goal-keeper to try to restrict the scoring, but the Lightning still managed to take a 31-23 lead into halftime. With Batcheldor bagging 13 goals in the third quarter and the Lightning's defensive end looking rock-solid, that lead was out to a commanding 37-27 heading into the final term. Former Vixens star centre Liz Watson looked right at home back in Melbourne and continued to control the midcourt as the home side failed to make a dent on the margin. Lightning goal defence Tara Hinchcliffe, who had five gains, two intercepts and six deflections, was delighted with her team's showing. "I always feel like playing Vixens is a traditional game of netball, with the moving circles at both ends, it's hard work, " said Hinchliffe, named player of the match. "Coming into this game we knew that this would potentially mean second on the ladder for us so we wanted to come out and put in that performance, so I'm so proud of the girls." McKinnis was presented with flowers at the end of the match after celebrating her 200th game as a national league head coach last round. The Vixens wanted to ensure the milestone wasn't missed, with McKinnis then announcing her departure. The former Australian Diamonds star guided the Vixens to national league titles in 2014 and 2020, minor premierships in 2017, 2020 and 2022, and to Super Netball grand final appearances in 2022 and 2024. McKinnis said while her passion for coaching and netball remained, with her contract expiring it was the right time to hand over the reins. "It has been my privilege to work with so many tremendously talented athletes in my time as head coach, including among the current playing group, and share so much success with them," McKinnis said. "My commitment and focus remains on guiding the Vixens through the rest of the 2025 season and into finals." Sunshine Coast Lightning have banked back-to-back wins for the first time this season with Reilley Batcheldor helping keep the Melbourne Vixens at bay in their Super Netball clash. The Lightning kept a full house at John Cain Arena quiet on Sunday afternoon, posting a 62-50 victory over the home side, who announced post-match that Simone McKinnis would step down at the end of the season after 13 years as coach. Their fourth win of the season lifted the Lightning to second on the ladder, above West Coast Fever on points differential, while the Vixens remain second-last. With centre Leesa Mi Mi in constant motion, Lightning goal-shooter Batcheledor topped the scoring with 48 goals from 52 attempts for the match. Her performance allowed coach Belinda Reynolds to rest star shooter Cara Koenen, under an injury cloud, for the entire match. The Queenslanders led 14-11 at quarter-time but started to assert their dominance in the second term. McKinnis switched up her defenders, moving Jo Weston to goal-keeper to try to restrict the scoring, but the Lightning still managed to take a 31-23 lead into halftime. With Batcheldor bagging 13 goals in the third quarter and the Lightning's defensive end looking rock-solid, that lead was out to a commanding 37-27 heading into the final term. Former Vixens star centre Liz Watson looked right at home back in Melbourne and continued to control the midcourt as the home side failed to make a dent on the margin. Lightning goal defence Tara Hinchcliffe, who had five gains, two intercepts and six deflections, was delighted with her team's showing. "I always feel like playing Vixens is a traditional game of netball, with the moving circles at both ends, it's hard work, " said Hinchliffe, named player of the match. "Coming into this game we knew that this would potentially mean second on the ladder for us so we wanted to come out and put in that performance, so I'm so proud of the girls." McKinnis was presented with flowers at the end of the match after celebrating her 200th game as a national league head coach last round. The Vixens wanted to ensure the milestone wasn't missed, with McKinnis then announcing her departure. The former Australian Diamonds star guided the Vixens to national league titles in 2014 and 2020, minor premierships in 2017, 2020 and 2022, and to Super Netball grand final appearances in 2022 and 2024. McKinnis said while her passion for coaching and netball remained, with her contract expiring it was the right time to hand over the reins. "It has been my privilege to work with so many tremendously talented athletes in my time as head coach, including among the current playing group, and share so much success with them," McKinnis said. "My commitment and focus remains on guiding the Vixens through the rest of the 2025 season and into finals." Sunshine Coast Lightning have banked back-to-back wins for the first time this season with Reilley Batcheldor helping keep the Melbourne Vixens at bay in their Super Netball clash. The Lightning kept a full house at John Cain Arena quiet on Sunday afternoon, posting a 62-50 victory over the home side, who announced post-match that Simone McKinnis would step down at the end of the season after 13 years as coach. Their fourth win of the season lifted the Lightning to second on the ladder, above West Coast Fever on points differential, while the Vixens remain second-last. With centre Leesa Mi Mi in constant motion, Lightning goal-shooter Batcheledor topped the scoring with 48 goals from 52 attempts for the match. Her performance allowed coach Belinda Reynolds to rest star shooter Cara Koenen, under an injury cloud, for the entire match. The Queenslanders led 14-11 at quarter-time but started to assert their dominance in the second term. McKinnis switched up her defenders, moving Jo Weston to goal-keeper to try to restrict the scoring, but the Lightning still managed to take a 31-23 lead into halftime. With Batcheldor bagging 13 goals in the third quarter and the Lightning's defensive end looking rock-solid, that lead was out to a commanding 37-27 heading into the final term. Former Vixens star centre Liz Watson looked right at home back in Melbourne and continued to control the midcourt as the home side failed to make a dent on the margin. Lightning goal defence Tara Hinchcliffe, who had five gains, two intercepts and six deflections, was delighted with her team's showing. "I always feel like playing Vixens is a traditional game of netball, with the moving circles at both ends, it's hard work, " said Hinchliffe, named player of the match. "Coming into this game we knew that this would potentially mean second on the ladder for us so we wanted to come out and put in that performance, so I'm so proud of the girls." McKinnis was presented with flowers at the end of the match after celebrating her 200th game as a national league head coach last round. The Vixens wanted to ensure the milestone wasn't missed, with McKinnis then announcing her departure. The former Australian Diamonds star guided the Vixens to national league titles in 2014 and 2020, minor premierships in 2017, 2020 and 2022, and to Super Netball grand final appearances in 2022 and 2024. McKinnis said while her passion for coaching and netball remained, with her contract expiring it was the right time to hand over the reins. "It has been my privilege to work with so many tremendously talented athletes in my time as head coach, including among the current playing group, and share so much success with them," McKinnis said. "My commitment and focus remains on guiding the Vixens through the rest of the 2025 season and into finals."
West Australian
04-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Garbin stars as Vixens top Mavericks in Melbourne derby
Star goalshooter Sophie Garbin has produced a match-winning display to ensure the Melbourne Vixens maintained full bragging rights over the Melbourne Mavericks with a 67-59 Super Netball win. Garbin nailed 45 goals from 52 shots and Kiera Austin chipped in with 16 goals and three Super Shots to ensure the Vixens improved their head-to-head record against the Mavericks to 3-0. Importantly, it squared up the Vixens' season record at 2-2, helping to make up for last week's 10-goal home loss to the West Coast Fever. "I thought everyone did an amazing job," Garbin told Fox Sports after Sunday's match at John Cain Arena. "I think for us, we've probably been focusing a bit too much on trying to change and have a bit of variety, whereas what we do best wins us games, and we got to the grand final last year doing that. "Today was about coming out, having our own individual strengths and working to them. "We know we've got a really tough month coming up with the Swifts, Lightning and Firebirds. "It's going to be a really tough month, but getting the win today was the start of it." Vixens coach Simone McKinnis said a win over the team's cross-town rivals was always significant. "It's a rivalry that's growing," McKinnis said. "We don't want to get beaten by the Mavericks. You know that's something they really want. "They fought really hard and they were going for it out there today." McKinnis was full of praise for Garbin. "That's Sophie at her best - when she's demanding that ball in that circle, and sometimes you'll hear her screaming for it," McKinnis said. "She's so strong as a shooter, and when she's positioned and takes that on, no one can get near her. I enjoyed seeing that from Soph today." The Mavericks are now 1-3 and face a battle to work their way back into the finals mix. The opening quarter was an even affair, with the Vixens just doing enough to take a 16-15 lead into the first break. It was late in the second quarter when the Vixens flexed their muscles. The Mavericks trailed by just three goals entering the five-minute Super Shot period, but two long-range bombs from Austin helped inspire a 9-3 run to give the Vixens a 35-26 lead at half-time. Although star Mavericks goalshooter Shimona Jok (43 goals from 47 attempts) was proving hard to stop, Vixens duo Garbin and Austin were just as lethal at the other end. The lead swelled to 13 by late in the third quarter, with the Mavericks unable to launch any meaningful fightback.
