The highly anticipated Melbourne Derby landed at John Cain Arena on Sunday, with the Melbourne Vixens remaining undefeated in their rivalry, claiming the city of Melbourne’s bragging rights and three from three wins with a 67 – 59 victory over the Melbourne Mavericks.
The scoreboard, however, does not replicate the intensity of the battle on court. Every player was in a fierce competition delivering physical contests to see which team could secure their second win of the season.
Heading into Round 4, both the Mavericks and the Vixens had only notched up a win against the Giants, and were both eager to find a spot in the top four.
Q1: Mavericks 15 – 16 Vixens
The tone was set early. Though many of these athletes are friends off-court, it was clear they are rivals on court. The Vixens opened with the first three goals, but the Mavericks quickly responded to level things at five apiece.
At either end, the goal shooters dominated; Shimona Jok holding strong under the post, and Sophie Garbin using her movement to create space, utilising the whole circle. In the middle, Molly Jovic and Kate Moloney battled fiercely, contesting first phase ball. Amy Parmenter (WD) applied relentless pressure on Hannah Mundy (WA), keeping her from the circle edge. Olivia Lewis and Kim Brown worked to shut down the mobile Vixens goalers, with the ball going back and forth, and it was just one point that sat Vixens in the lead at the first change.
Q2: Mavericks 26 – 35 Vixens
The second quarter saw the Vixens pull away. The first interchange of the match brought the speed of Maisie Nankivell into WA, but it was the Vixens' calm and clinical play that put the pressure on. A few fumbles from the Mavs allowed their opponents to extend the lead. To interfere with Jok’s strong presence, the Vixens introduced Maggie Caris at GK in the final minutes of the half. Meanwhile, Keira Austin stepped up with two crucial Super Shots to stretch the margin for the Vixens.
Q3: Mavericks 40 – 52 Vixens
Uneeq Palavi provided a change for the Mavs, entering back in the game at GA after a full match in the position in Round 3. Early in the third, Jok celebrated a major milestone - her 4000th Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) goal.
The Mavs responded to the Vixens lead, closing the gap to within six, but the Vixens answered again, re-establishing a 10-goal lead. In response, the Mavs made several changes - Jessie Grenvold entered at GK and immediately impacted, while Parmenter shifted into C to match up with Moloney. Nankivell moved to WD and Tayla Fraser returned to WA.
Down by 12, Sasha Glasgow re-entered the game - this time at GS - to partner with Palavi for an opportunity of Super Shots. Though Garbin and Austin’s dynamic movement under the ring was hard to beat, Glasgow brought hope landing her first Super Shot of the game.
Q4: Mavericks 59 – 67 Vixens
As the final quarter began, the Mavs versatile game was highlighted further with Grenvold moving to goal defence and Lewis returning to goal keeper. The two were quick to utilise each other’s movement in securing more ball. A critical intercept by Parmenter gave the Mavs a needed boost.
The Vixens, however, showed their experience and exposure in high pressure games. Despite the Mavs constantly fighting back, the Vixens remained control. Lewis fought until the end, being a threat to Garbin, while Palavi put on a show in the final five minutes with three super shots, helping the Mavericks win the quarter by four.
But it was too little, too late for the Mavs, with the final buzzer going at 59 – 67 in favour of the Vixens.
Post-match, Mavs Head Coach, Tracey Neville, reflected on the challenges the team faced.
“We knew that today was not going to be an easy game. We knew that they were going to come out physically for us …but there were also moments where we could have got back in the game, and we didn't take them on.”
Neville continued how it came down to their technical game and the mental stamina to push through.
“From our perspective, they didn’t get an intercept, they didn’t take one ball from us but the way we dealt technically today is something we need to work on,” Neville continued.
“Against top teams you have to feel uncomfortable, being uncomfortable – we shied away [from that].”
Next up, the Mavs are flying to Perth to take on West Coast Fever on Saturday 10 May at RAC Arena.
