The Melbourne Derby returned to John Cain Arena, where the Melbourne Vixens claimed a 66–57 win over the Melbourne Mavericks.
In front of a sell-out crowd, the atmosphere was palpable as the two hometown teams went head-to-head in what was a contested, physical battle that lasted the full 60 minutes.
The Mavericks were playing with extra motivation, highlighting defender Kim Brown as she celebrated her milestone 100th Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) national league game.
Q1: Mavs 11 – 19 Vixens
The Melbourne rivalry was on full display from the first whistle. The battles were fierce, and with match ups like Shimona Jok on Rudi Ellis and Molly Jovic and Kate Moloney, it was a tantalisng game to watch. The Vixens came out with a confident presence showing their experience, whilst the Mavs were on the back foot early, giving up a 7-0 lead. The Mavs didn’t go down without a fight however – Amy Parmenter, Jovic and Brown had key tips, whilst Liv Lewis claimed Mavs’ first intercept of the match. Uneeq Palavi entered the game with six minutes to go in the quarter, and scored the only Super Shot for the term.
Q2: Mavs 27 – Vixens 35
The Mavericks weren’t letting this match run away from them. Maisie Nankivell came on to WA, helping to change the game's momentum. Brown, with a strong rebound, lead the lift in defensive pressure. Lewis was welcomed back onto court and Jovic added an intercept. The Mavs began to make moves and through cleaner delivery into Jok, the Mavs grew confidence. In the Power Five, Sasha Glasgow came back on to court, partnering well with Palavi. Palavi sank two Super Shots, whilst Glasgow nailed one of her own. Keira Austin matched it bring the Vixens' lead back to eight, seeing the second quarter finish even, with 16 goals scored apiece.
Q3: Mavs 42 – 50 Vixens
Coming off a second quarter where they literally evented the ledger, the Mavs found a rhythm. Nankivell and Jovic made strong drives onto circle edge, supplying Glasgow with in and out feeds. The Mavs stuck with the moving circle to work through the Vixens' defence. With quicker and cleaner transitions, the Mavs started to find a flow. A Vixens timeout shifted momentum, forcing a quick response from the Mavs. Glasgow moved to GA whilst Jok was back at GS. The physical contest had not slowed with Glasgow and Nankivell both hitting the ground during the term. Palavi, again, returned to the court for the Power Five, whilst Parmenter showed she can change the game with a tip to Lewis followed by another intercept. Glasgow, with another two pointer, brought the margin back to five, but the Vixens quickly responded to finish the quarter still eight goals ahead - another evenly-matched quarter.
Q4: Mavs 57 – 66 Vixens
The fourth term saw the Mavs come off from the start, proving why they belong in the best netball League in the world. Going goal-for-goal, Lewis took an intercept at a time that shifted the game, but the Vixens' defensive unit were quick to respond. Captain Parmenter took charge once again, picking up a tip from Glasgow and fighting for the ball between three defenders. With another turnover, the Mavs were back within five. It was at this point of the game that the battle was the tightest, with no side having a chance to make a mistake. Vixens went on a run entering the final five minutes of the game, again extending the lead to eight. Palavi scored a Super Shot, whilst a couple of missed chances gave the edge for Vixens as they had strong rebounds under post. Brown - making a final mark in her milestone game - took an intercept at a minute to go, leading it down to Glasgow for one last Super Shot. However, the Vixens narrowly won the term by a single goal.
Pot-match, Mavs vice-captain, Molly Jovic, reflected on the team’s performance.
“We were in the contest; it was just that first quarter, unfortunately the first few minutes and the last few minutes,” said Jovic.
With finals approaching, the Mavs know what they must do.
“I think there is a reality of where we are at, but also there’s a ‘never say never’ attitude. If we can put some strong performances in the last half of the season...I believe in this group of girls - if we can play for 60 minutes, we can match any team out there,” continued Jovic.
Mavs head coach, Tracey Neville, also shared her thoughts on the match.
“From my end, I’m really proud of the girls. They didn’t give up that contest when they could have let the game go. However, it is again that we just seem to lack confidence - we need to see the sun shine earlier,” Neville said.
The Mavs will return to John Cain Arena next weekend for their second last home games of the season, when they take on West Coast Fever.
