The Melbourne Vixens are determined to become the first team in ANZ Championship history to win two Premierships, when they take on New Zealand’s Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in the Grand Final at Hisense Arena this Sunday.
With an expected sell-out crowd, this is the first time the Vixens have reached the finals since their 2009 Premiership win over the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Unlike the Magic, who have reached the finals series every year since the competition’s inception in 2008.
Vixens captain Bianca Chatfield said the Magic’s greatest strength was their experience, and that the Vixens will need to “interrupt their flow down the court to minimise their opportunities.”
“When the Magic played the Mystics in the Prelim Final, and it came down to the wire, they were able to step up. Defensively they are very smart and will definitely be out to put lots of pressure on our goalers. In their attack end, the link between Laura Langman and Irene van Dyk is so strong; they're so used to playing with each other.”
Whilst the Magic have experience, Chatfield said her team have outstanding fast-ball movement and a self-belief that has seen the side come from behind to win matches against the competitions toughest teams.
“When we get it right and move the ball quickly down the court, we’re able to get it into our goalers pretty smoothly. When we have fast-ball movement, we’re unstoppable.”
The Vixens pulled a trademark come-from-behind win against the Mystics in the Major Semi Final, in which they clawed their way back to win the match by six after trailing by five at the half-time siren. Chatfield expects a similar contest in Sunday’s Grand Final.
“I expect it to be a very hard, intense and physical match. They will come out strong and keep the pressure on. The Magic won't give up and will keep the intensity on until the final whistle. There will be no holding back from either teams with lots of bodies on the line as no one will be willing to give up in a contest. I think the team that is mentally stronger will win.”
Both teams are in exceptional form, the Vixens having won the Minor Premiership against the Northern Mystics, and the Magic are on a winning streak after 11 consecutive victories. However, the home court advantage and rest time work in the Vixens favour.
Chatfield acknowledged how special and unique it was to be playing in a Championship Grand Final.
“We've got to remember that this is such a great opportunity that we've created for ourselves, to play a home Grand Final in front of what is expected to be a sell-out crowd. It's important to cherish the moment and finish on a high, the way we intended to at the beginning of the season.”
The Vixens have played in front of record breaking crowds this season and are expected to finish in front of a sell-out crowd at Hisense Arena.
