THE MELBOURNE VIXENS HAVE STRUCK A BLOW FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, DOWNING COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES 58-55 IN THE INAUGURAL BATTLE AT MELBOURNE’S HISENSE ARENA
Melbourne got what it deserved in a see-sawing Suncorp Super Netball contest that twisted and turned.
Madi Robinson at times took charge of the game but could not put away former teammate Kate Moloney who leapt and lunged at every contested possession.
Robinson could have done with Diamonds star Kim Ravaillion who was benched at halftime and never returned.
Moloney’s leadership helped the Vixens to a narrow lead at three-quarter time.
Melbourne led by as much as five early in the deciding term, before a combination of the jitters and Collingwood’s pressure changed the game’s rhythm.
The difference was the poise of goalers Tegan Philip (29 goals) and Mwai Kumwenda (29) who shared the scoring load beautifully.
Magpie Caitlin Thwaites scored 47 of her team’s goals 97 per cent.
There were contributors everywhere for the Vixens, with wing attack Liz Watson and defender Emily Mannix unsung heroes.
At first glance, Collingwood, with its striking black and white strip, looked an imposing and awesome unit.
There was respect, not fear, from the Vixens whose tone was set by captain Moloney.
The skipper showed no fear, her eyes only on the ball as she chased loose possession into the teeth of swarming opponents.
Philip also exhibited no signs of last year’s knee injury, shooting the first two goals as the Vixens worked their way to a 15-13 lead at quarter-time.
Bit by bit, the Magpies’ connections strengthened.
The skills of captain Robinson and centre Ravaillion inspired the expansion side, as did Thwaites whose 24 first-half goals came at an impressive 96 per cent.
Still, the Magpies’ halftime lead was just one goal, with goal attack Alice Teague-Neeld struggling to make an impact and benched for Samantha Gooden just before the break.
Collingwood coach Kristy Keppich-Birrell started the second half with the shock move of replacing Ravaillion with Shae Brown at centre.
Brown’s fitness and the indomitable Robinson made life tough for Moloney but the Vixens just would not budge.
Liz Watson, so often knocked and bumped off her feet, kept plugging away at wing attack, opening up space for Philip and Kumwenda who shot the Vixens to a 42-29 lead at the final change.
MVP: Tegan Philip (Vixens)
