Latest news with #SimoneMcKinnis
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Super Netball: Vixens seal finals spot in two-point thriller against the Firebirds
The Melbourne Vixens have survived a nail biting final-quarter push from the competition wooden spooners to seal their place in the Super Netball finals. Outstanding long-range shooting from the Queensland Firebirds in the final super shot period allowed the visitors to claw their way within one point with just a minute left in the match but the Vixens weathered the storm to clinch a 64-62 win that sealed them third place heading into the final fixture and a guaranteed place in the finals. In what could have been Simone McKinnis's final match coaching at John Cain Arena - hosting rights for the minor semi-final will be decided in the final round of fixtures - the Vixens raced to a five-goal lead after the first quarter in a performance that seemed to set the tone for a comfortable win. The Queenslanders were unable to move from the bottom of the ladder but had plenty to play for, with just four players so far contracted for next season and were determined to be disruptors. They turned the match on its head in a 19-13 second term that handed them a one-point halftime lead and the promise of a grinding match. The Vixens rebounded again in the third but the game tightened up again when Emily Moore and Abigail Latu-Meafou slotted a combined three super shots in the final term, with the Vixens just getting over the line. 'It was a massive result for us and probably a much better result than how we handled the game last week,' Vixens goaler Kiera Austin said of her side being swamped by the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the final term last week. 'Massive credit to the Firebirds, they came out firing but it was great practice for us to work the ball around in the end and come away with the win.' DOING IT FOR SIMONE McKinnis announced weeks ago she will step down from coaching the club at the end of the season and would prefer there's little fuss around her tenure coming to an end. But the two-time premiership coach admitted there had been nerves and emotion when she arrived at John Cain Arena for what may have been her last game in charge at the venue. 'Surprisingly, I didn't know there was but when I arrived today, there was,' McKinnis said of the emotion that flooded her arriving at a match she knew her family and friends had gathered to watch. 'In the game not so much because I was just like, get the job done.' Vixens captain Kate Moloney said it was important to win not just for the team but for their coach. 'Simone doesn't like us talking about it too much but it is really important for us - it's important for us as a team to win, we want to be the best team we can,' Moloney said. 'And on a side note to that is we want to send Simone off on the best note we can. She's given so much to our club and hopefully we can keep the winning going.' CRUCIAL VIXENS WIN Wins to both the Lightning and Thunderbirds on Saturday put the defending premiers and Sunshine Coast side level on points with the Vixens, who needed to beat the Firebirds to lock up a finals spot. With the Thunderbirds and Lightning playing each other in the final round, one will knock the other out but the Vixens could still lose third place - and hosting rights in the minor semi-final - unless they are able to upset competition favourites West Coast Fever in Perth in the final round. 'It's a massive game for us and really good prep for us to go into finals,' Austin said of the clash. 'Exciting that that solidified us heading into finals but for us, building on that confidence, trusting each other, letting the ball go, you want to start going on that climb now and I think the girls are putting in some really good efforts, so just keep working along.' BIRDIES GALLANT IN DEFEAT The Firebirds extended their unenviable club record run of losses to 11 in a row but there were again promising signs. Macy Gardner one of just four players signed for next season, was among their best, with 11 goal assists, 20 feeds and two gains in her 50th Super Netball match. Captain and defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran and imports, defensive midcourter Imogen Allison and shooter Mary Cholhok are the other players whose futures are guaranteed for 2026, while goal attacks Latu-Meafou and Moore did their best in an effort to prove their worth for new contracts. The Firebirds round out the season with a home match against the NSW Swifts on Sunday.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
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. The chase 👌🏼Watch every game live on Kayo Sports, Foxtel and Binge. — Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) July 6, 2025 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."
Perth Now
4 days ago
- 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."
News.com.au
15-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Weston stars as Vixens make big step towards Super Netball glory
Melbourne Vixens coach Simone McKinnis hailed a thrilling win over the NSW Swifts as a 'significant step' for her team after holding off the ladder leaders to claim their first top-four scalp of the season in a boost to their finals ambitions. Storming to their fourth consecutive win, the Vixens defied a flurry of late super shots from Swifts goal attack Helen Housby to inflict the second loss of the season on the table-topping team with their 70-68 victory at John Cain Arena on Sunday. The win put the Vixens back in fourth spot on the ladder ahead of the Thunderbirds, who they are battling for a finals berth. Last season's runners-up to Adelaide, the Vixens have found their groove after a shaky start to their campaign when they struggled to find consistency and even had McKinnis suggest a trip to the pub was needed to inject life into their 'flat' game. The Vixens led throughout the match – and by as much as 11 goals in the third quarter – but the Swifts stormed home and threatened to steal the game off the back of some superb super shot shooting from Housby and a lift in defensive intensity. Vixens goal defence Jo Weston was named player of the match as the back-court stalwart finished with three deflections and two long-range goal assists from midcourt. Weston worked overtime with goal keeper Rudi Ellis to restrict the impact of Swifts' star import Grace Nweke (40 from 43) and Housby (11/13). At the other end, goalers Sophie Garbin (47/49) and Kiera Austin (20/23, including three of four two-pointers) also starred with their connection in the circle back to its best. The victory was the Vixens' first win of the season against a team in the top four after earlier losses to the Thunderbirds, West Coast Fever, Swifts and Lightning, who they face again next round on the road. McKinnis, in her last season as Vixens' coach, said the win against a top-four opponent was an important breakthrough, but the team could not yet afford to look any further ahead than its next battle. 'I'm really pleased, super happy. I thought they did an amazing job taking the game on from the start,' McKinnis said. 'I thought it was important for us to be able to get that win, we haven't had one over a team that's in the (top) four. I thought it was a significant step for us, but super proud of the girls. 'We have got Sunshine Coast Lightning next week and we had a poor game against them earlier in the year, so we want to put out a good game next week. 'It is just that shift now to Lightning … what's going to give us the best opportunity to have the best result that we can get next Saturday night? 'Things are in our hands, but we just have to keep that focus on the here and now.' Swifts' goal shooter Sophie Fawns, who replaced Nweke in the power play periods, missed her final two-point attempt with just over 30 seconds left to play in the match, which would have drawn the scores. The Swifts retain top spot on the ladder by percentage only over the Fever, but Swifts coach Briony Akle was pragmatic after the loss. 'I thought when we had that shot at the end, maybe we should have gone for a one-pointer, but it is what it is,' Akle said. 'If we got the goal, it would have been great, but we didn't and that's sport. 'I never like to lose, but I feel like Vixens are a top side and I thought they were amazing tonight in their attack. 'I expected a really hard game and they just came out and we didn't have answers. Disappointed but moving forward.' WESTON WIND-UP McKinnis was able to have a laugh about the trademark Weston wind-up after her pair of goal assists from centre court, but praised the 'outstanding' defensive leadership of the Diamonds' defender. 'You can see it coming because you watch her and you go, 'Oh, here we go',' McKinnis said. 'But I thought Jo was outstanding today. Just the workrate and the leadership for those around her has just been so good. So I'll let her have a couple of goal assists. 'The discipline is something that we have spoken about, we have been highly penalised and that decision-making and staying in play. 'Jo is so competitive, she would be one of the most competitive people I know. But for her to be able manage that, the decision-making and keep the pressure on … and just the support she shows to Rudi as well. 'The whole attack end of Swifts is a tough attack end, it's just that mindset which Jo has to keep persevering and just keep at it.' CONSECUTIVE LOSSES The Swifts stormed into premiership favouritism after a blistering start to the season when they won their opening eight matches. With their blockbuster off-season signing, Silver Ferns star Nweke dominating under the post, many had considered the Swifts an early lock for this year's crown. But consecutive losses in the past two rounds have shown they are not bulletproof. The Fever flexed their flag credentials last round with an 11-goal win over the Swifts in Sydney before the Vixens handed them their first loss on the road. 'It's just reality checks around accountability and working as a unit,' Akle said. 'As any coach would, we will go back and have a look at the footage and delve deeply into that and what that means for us moving forward, but I haven't lost any faith.' The Swifts face the Giants in a Sydney derby next round. SUPER SHOT STAR Housby did her best to almost single-handedly drag the Swifts over the line in the final quarter with an almost flawless performance from two-point range. The English international nailed eight of nine two-point attempts for the match, including four in the final power play period. 'It is not easy shooting those super shots under pressure when you are 10 down and the whole team relying on you,' Akle said. 'I thought Sophie (four from seven two-pointers) came on and supported her beautifully in that role tonight. She hasn't had a lot of court time obviously, but the minutes she had I thought she was extremely valuable and helped Helen out and just released that pressure valve for her as well.'
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.
