Latest news with #Vixens
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Vixens strike late to end Thunderbirds' title reign
Adelaide's bid for a three-peat of Super Netball titles is over after they suffered a heartbreaking 58-56 loss to the Melbourne Vixens in a pulsating minor semi-final. The Vixens led by four goals with three minutes remaining in Sunday's match at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre before the Thunderbirds launched a frenzied late comeback. Thunderbirds youngster Kayla Graham snared a vital intercept to spark the run, with two Super Shots from Georgie Horjus catapulting Adelaide to the lead with two minutes remaining. But there were a couple more twists to come. Vixens sharpshooter Kiera Austin nailed a Super Shot to grab back the lead, before Horjus missed a long-range shot to give possession back to Melbourne. The Vixens wound down the clock for the final minute with a series of slick passes before nailing a goal with just seconds remaining to secure the two-goal win. The result was sweet revenge for the Vixens, beaten by Adelaide in last season's grand final. It also ensured the reign of Vixens coach Simone McKinnis, who will step down at the end of the season, will last at least one more week. The Vixens will take on either the ladder-leading West Coast Fever or second-placed NSW Swifts in an away preliminary final. The grand final will be held in Melbourne on August 2, meaning the fourth-placed Vixens will have home-court advantage if they are able to make the decider. Austin played a key role in the Vixens' victory, nailing all five of her Super Shot attempts. "I think just a bit of positive self talk, just telling yourself you can do it," Austin told Fox Sports about her hot shooting display. "I've got great teammates around me that were making me feel really calm and made me feel like I could take the shot. "It's probably the most relaxed I've felt in a way. I just wanted to go moment by moment. It's really hard to do in a big game like that." Vixens goal shooter Sophie Garbin finished with 39 goals from 42 attempts, while Kate Eddy finished with three intercepts and three gains. For Adelaide, goal attack Horjus nailed six Super Shots from nine attempts, while goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George (37 goals from 42 attempts) was fumbly at times. There was drama even before the match began, with Vixens goalkeeper Rudi Ellis left with a cut eye during the warm-up after copping an accidental elbow from a teammate. Eddy was the standout player of the opening quarter, tallying two intercepts and two gains to help turn an early 1-4 deficit into a 13-11 lead by the first break. The second quarter was a goal-to-goal affair before the five-minute Super Shot period arrived. Austin nailed consecutive long bombs as the visitors extended their lead to five goals, but Horjus hit back with two of her own to close the gap to three goals by halftime. Adelaide snatched the lead with six of the first eight goals of the third quarter, but a crucial Eddy intercept helped turn the momentum back the Vixens' way. Two Austin Super Shots gave the Vixens a 46-42 lead at the final change, and they were able to recover from Adelaide's frenzied late comeback to secure victory.
West Australian
4 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Super Netball 2025: West Coast Fever coach Dan Ryan on when he knew his side were the real deal
It's no surprise that coach Dan Ryan pinpoints superstar shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard's remarkable return in round three as the turning point in West Coast Fever's record-breaking season. Fever are on the verge of history as they prepare to take on the NSW Swifts for a spot in this year's grand final in the major semifinal at RAC Arena on Sunday. West Coast have not lost since Fowler-Nembhard's comeback inspired them to a 10-goal win over the Melbourne Vixens at John Cain Arena, breaking the record for the biggest Super Netball winning streak with 12 straight victories. The Jamaican shooter has gone on a tear since her comeback, scoring a league-high 724 goals despite missing the first two matches, putting herself in the position for an unprecedented sixth Super Netball player-of-the-year award. It launched Fever from the bottom of the ladder to their first minor premiership and a club best 12-2 regular season record and in the box seat to claim a second premiership in their history. Ryan told The Sunday Times said the win over arch-rivals Melbourne was the moment he realised his team was capable of big things in 2025. 'The big turning point was the round three game against the Vixens, Jhaniele's first game back and just watching the team in the changerooms before the game it really was a moment where I was watching the team reconnect with its identity,' he said. 'The way we performed in that Vixens game, it was really important for us because we were 0-2, so we were under enormous pressure. It was a great example of every position on the court stepping up and pulling their weight. 'We really wanted to support Jhaniele on that day and I thought the team did a great job in that regard. 'From that point in time, it was a great confidence boost but it saw us go on a journey of backing ourselves and each other and being keen to keept improving and keep growing. That has what every week has been framed as since then.' While Fever don't talk about their remarkable winning streak internally, Ryan said it had given them confidence to tackle any scenario presented in the finals. 'We are connected to the previous performance and into the next. What we're learning about ourselves is our ability to perform and win in different conditions and under different stresses and different circumstances,' he said. 'If it is a goal-for-goal game we're really comfortable with that. If we're up and in control we're comfortable with that. If we're hanging on by a couple of goals we're also comfortable with that and trusting that our processes will take care of themselves. 'There's a quiet confidence but also a great adaptability around whatever condition or circumstance is out there that we've experienced them across the course of this season and last season as well, to know what we need to do in those moments and that's where the confidence comes from more than anything else.' The Swifts have been dealt a massive blow leading into the game after co-captain star Paige Hadley ruled out for a second straight match because of a lower leg injury. It will leave West Coast Fever premiership player Verity Simmons to lead the midcourt having returned to netball this season after a brief retirement which had her play for West Coast in the AFLW last year. 'Paige is a World Cup winner, Commonwealth Gold medallist and multiple Super Netball winner with the Swifts so losing a player of her calibre is always going to be tough, but every player has to be special to play at this level and we have brilliant athletes in our squad,' Swifts coach Briony Akle said. 'Verity Simmons is a Diamond and has won SSN Premierships herself, while Allie Smith has played big games in the middle for us this year so we're well stocked. 'We were hopeful that Paige would be right for the game but it has come too soon for her, and we won't risk any athlete unless they are 100 per cent good to go. 'Either way, finishing in the top two, we know that there is plenty of netball to be played regardless of this weekend so we hope to see Paigey back in the finals stage she belongs on.' The Swifts are already without goalkeeper Teigan O'Shannassy for the rest of the season because of a back injury, leaving Australian defender Sarah Klau to get the match-up on Fowler-Nembhard. Ryan said Fever had to embrace the opportunity in front of them after they earned the right to a home major semifinal having been bundled out in the preliminary final in the past two seasons. 'It's just such a great opportunity. We've fought really hard this season to put ourselves into a top two position because we really wanted to earn this opportunity,' he said. 'Our form and our performances and commitment to achieve that has been really evident and now we want to make sure we maximise this opportunity like we have every other week of the competition. 'We deserve to be here in this major semifinal and play it on our own home court. And now it's our responsibility to step up and make the most of this moment.' The two sides have split their meetings this year, with the Swifts defeating Fever in round one by 18 goals. However, Fever flexed their muscles in round nine, with Fowler-Nembhard scoring 71 goals in dominant 79-68 victory which cemented them as the premiership favourites. Ryan said the two teams were so evenly matched there wouldn't be too much that separated them. 'Both teams can counteract each other's strengths in some ways so it's around who does it better over the course of 60 minutes and who does it more consistently,' he said. 'We've got a deep squad of 10 who can impact and change the game as we need to and the Swifts like to use and rotate their bench a lot as well so we'll prepare for all of those different changes that might be thrown at us. 'Both teams can play the game at a really high level in similar ways, so the consistency element is going to be key.'
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
The moment Ryan knew his Fever side was the real deal
It's no surprise that coach Dan Ryan pinpoints superstar shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard's remarkable return in round three as the turning point in West Coast Fever's record-breaking season. Fever are on the verge of history as they prepare to take on the NSW Swifts for a spot in this year's grand final in the major semifinal at RAC Arena on Sunday. West Coast have not lost since Fowler-Nembhard's comeback inspired them to a 10-goal win over the Melbourne Vixens at John Cain Arena, breaking the record for the biggest Super Netball winning streak with 12 straight victories. The Jamaican shooter has gone on a tear since her comeback, scoring a league-high 724 goals despite missing the first two matches, putting herself in the position for an unprecedented sixth Super Netball player-of-the-year award. It launched Fever from the bottom of the ladder to their first minor premiership and a club best 12-2 regular season record and in the box seat to claim a second premiership in their history. Ryan told The Sunday Times said the win over arch-rivals Melbourne was the moment he realised his team was capable of big things in 2025. 'The big turning point was the round three game against the Vixens, Jhaniele's first game back and just watching the team in the changerooms before the game it really was a moment where I was watching the team reconnect with its identity,' he said. Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard has been dominant. Credit: Paul Kane / Getty Images 'The way we performed in that Vixens game, it was really important for us because we were 0-2, so we were under enormous pressure. It was a great example of every position on the court stepping up and pulling their weight. 'We really wanted to support Jhaniele on that day and I thought the team did a great job in that regard. 'From that point in time, it was a great confidence boost but it saw us go on a journey of backing ourselves and each other and being keen to keept improving and keep growing. That has what every week has been framed as since then.' While Fever don't talk about their remarkable winning streak internally, Ryan said it had given them confidence to tackle any scenario presented in the finals. 'We are connected to the previous performance and into the next. What we're learning about ourselves is our ability to perform and win in different conditions and under different stresses and different circumstances,' he said. 'If it is a goal-for-goal game we're really comfortable with that. If we're up and in control we're comfortable with that. If we're hanging on by a couple of goals we're also comfortable with that and trusting that our processes will take care of themselves. 'There's a quiet confidence but also a great adaptability around whatever condition or circumstance is out there that we've experienced them across the course of this season and last season as well, to know what we need to do in those moments and that's where the confidence comes from more than anything else.' Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard looms large ahead of the finals. Credit: James Worsfold / Getty Images The Swifts have been dealt a massive blow leading into the game after co-captain star Paige Hadley ruled out for a second straight match because of a lower leg injury. It will leave West Coast Fever premiership player Verity Simmons to lead the midcourt having returned to netball this season after a brief retirement which had her play for West Coast in the AFLW last year. 'Paige is a World Cup winner, Commonwealth Gold medallist and multiple Super Netball winner with the Swifts so losing a player of her calibre is always going to be tough, but every player has to be special to play at this level and we have brilliant athletes in our squad,' Swifts coach Briony Akle said. 'Verity Simmons is a Diamond and has won SSN Premierships herself, while Allie Smith has played big games in the middle for us this year so we're well stocked. 'We were hopeful that Paige would be right for the game but it has come too soon for her, and we won't risk any athlete unless they are 100 per cent good to go. 'Either way, finishing in the top two, we know that there is plenty of netball to be played regardless of this weekend so we hope to see Paigey back in the finals stage she belongs on.' The Swifts are already without goalkeeper Teigan O'Shannassy for the rest of the season because of a back injury, leaving Australian defender Sarah Klau to get the match-up on Fowler-Nembhard. Ryan said Fever had to embrace the opportunity in front of them after they earned the right to a home major semifinal having been bundled out in the preliminary final in the past two seasons. 'It's just such a great opportunity. We've fought really hard this season to put ourselves into a top two position because we really wanted to earn this opportunity,' he said. 'Our form and our performances and commitment to achieve that has been really evident and now we want to make sure we maximise this opportunity like we have every other week of the competition. 'We deserve to be here in this major semifinal and play it on our own home court. And now it's our responsibility to step up and make the most of this moment.' The two sides have split their meetings this year, with the Swifts defeating Fever in round one by 18 goals. However, Fever flexed their muscles in round nine, with Fowler-Nembhard scoring 71 goals in dominant 79-68 victory which cemented them as the premiership favourites. Ryan said the two teams were so evenly matched there wouldn't be too much that separated them. 'Both teams can counteract each other's strengths in some ways so it's around who does it better over the course of 60 minutes and who does it more consistently,' he said. 'We've got a deep squad of 10 who can impact and change the game as we need to and the Swifts like to use and rotate their bench a lot as well so we'll prepare for all of those different changes that might be thrown at us. 'Both teams can play the game at a really high level in similar ways, so the consistency element is going to be key.'
Perth Now
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
‘Fresh' Fever star warns she's ready to up ante in finals
She's the undisputed queen of Super Netball, and now, West Coast superstar Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard has fired out a warning to those standing in the way of a premiership: She's ready to step up in finals. Fowler-Nembhard has defied the personal tragedy of losing her unborn baby at the start of this year to inspire Fever to record 12 consecutive victories and on the brink of a historic second premiership. The minor premiers will look to book their spot in a fourth grand final in eight seasons when they host the NSW Swifts at RAC Arena on Sunday. And Fowler-Nembhard looms as the biggest weapon in their stacked arsenal having scored a league-high 724 goals and in contention for an unprecedented sixth league most valuable player award despite missing the first two games of the season. In a concerning sign for the other three teams still left in contention, the 35-year-old declared she was fresh and ready to take her game to another level in the finals. 'I have to find another gear. Every week I get out there, I have some amazing defenders that I'm coming up against,' Fowler-Nembhard said. 'I feel really good, I feel really fresh. I try to make sure the body is ticking over as it should during the week before I get to the weekend. 'I am looking forward to it (finals). It's going to be exciting. I love the fact we're playing here firstly; I am going to have to step into that moment and embrace it. And be as competitive as I can.' Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard in action against the Vixens. Credit: Paul Kane / Getty Images Renowned as the ultimate competitor, Fowler-Nembhard has seemingly found a lot of joy in this season, often being seen smiling on court. And her happiness is reflected in her form, with the Jamaican averaging 60 goals from her 12 game 'I just love playing netball, so if it's showing that I am enjoying it, I definitely am,' Fowler-Nembhard said. 'All my teammates are a good bunch of girls, and I'm blessed to be amongst such amazing athletes and amazing individuals. 'It means a lot to me. I love winning with this club in general and having got that record with them is just a really good thing.' While Fowler-Nembhard is the most dangerous player in Fever's goalcircle, the form of countrywoman Shanice Beckford has added another dimension. The goal attack has hit her straps in the back half of the season and it's forcing teams to abandon the double-team of Fowler-Nembhard which is not going unrecognised by coach Dan Ryan. 'Shanice is playing her role beautifully for us,' he said. 'She's opening up games and she played a couple of 60-minute ones where she's been locked in for the entirety. 'She's a real weapon, there is no one else in the league that plays goal attack like her and I love seeing her grow game upon game.'
Perth Now
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Fever run red hot to inflict Super pain on Vixens
West Coast Fever have underlined their Super Netball title credentials and put a large dent in the Melbourne Vixens' finals campaign with a commanding 71-60 victory in the last round. Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard delivered an almost flawless showing as the minor premiers continued to prove the team to beat, with the superstar shooter finishing with 61 goals from 63 attempts. In front of a Super Netball record crowd of 12,813 at Perth's RAC Arena, the 35-year-old's only two misses came from the two-point super shot range. The loss meant the Vixens sank to fourth and handed hosting rights for the minor semi-final to two-time reigning champion Adelaide Thunderbirds in a grand final rematch next Sunday. On the back of 12 straight wins, the Fever will host the second-placed NSW Swifts in the major semi-final, also on Sunday. There was little between the teams at the halfway mark, with the Perth side leading 34-30. While Fowler-Nembhard was on target with 30 goals from 31 attempts, the Fever's defence - led by goal defence Sunday Aryang and keeper Kadie-Ann Dehaney - piled the pressure on the visitors. Vixens coach Simone McKinnis shuffled her goal circle in the second quarter, with Lily Graham coming on for Sophie Garbin as she searched for ways to penetrate West Coast's steely armour. Happy SUNDAY 😮💨Watch every game live on Kayo Sports, Foxtel and Binge. Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) July 13, 2025 Diamonds star Aryang, who claimed her second straight player of the match gong, was delighted her team were able to win all four quarters. She had six gains and four intercepts as she kept tight leash on Vixens star goal attack Kiera Austin. "I'm very happy. When we got to this game we had a big focus on finishing the season off well and we accomplished what we set out to do," Aryang told Fox Sports. "It's always hard work coming up against Kiera and it's one of those ones where you have to grind her and play that one on one against her and hope you get the best of it." The Fever took control of the match in the third quarter and pushed the lead out out to 52-43, with Jamaican great Fowler-Nembhard again bagging 16 from 16. They forced the Vixens into 20 general play turnovers as they asserted their dominance through the middle of the court with wing attack Alice Teague-Neeld the stand-out. Fowler-Nembhard ended the match in style, with the full-house on their feet when she nailed a two-point super shot in the final second. The record crowd took the total attendance across the home-and-away season to 343,634 - the highest figure in national league history.
