Last-second shot sinks Vixens; Collingwood import’s World Cup statement: Super Netball Wrap

Missing the services of star defender Jo Weston, and long bomb specialist Rahni Samason, an injury-plagued Melbourne Vixens came agonisingly close to upsetting reigning premiers West Coast Fever.

Thirsting to avenge last year’s grand final defeat, and reward coach Simone McKinnis’ 150th game in charge, the Vixens stayed in touch with Suncorp Super Netball’s heavyweights, but couldn’t quite get the job done.

A war of attrition unfolded as neither side were able to string together a run of goals. Both teams went to their bench in an attempt to shift momentum, and it was Vixens’ energetic keeper Liv Lewis who struck first.

Whenever Fever snuck out to a small lead, Lewis managed to get up to a high ball into match MVP Jhaniele Fowler, sending her team into attack.

With Fever leading by the narrowest of margins during the third term, Fever’s newest recruit Kim Jenner was inserted at goal defence. Instructed by coach Dan Ryan to add some physicality and disrupt play, she forced a turnover immediately.

With players scrapping for the ball, a head knock to Vixens’ defender Em Mannix saw her briefly taken off court. Wiradjuri woman Gabby Coffey made a debut cameo in her stead, but fortunately Mannix was cleared to play on, and returned to the match shortly afterwards.

With the game hanging in the balance, Ryan called a brief time out, telling his troops, “The harder we work, the more opportunities we get!”

The Vixens weren’t listening however, as two supershots from Kiera Austin leveled the game. A Fowler goal almost on the death knock finally put the game beyond reach.

Goal percentage was the main difference between the two sides - despite more scoring opportunities, Vixens’ 85 per cent accuracy couldn’t compete with the Fever’s 95 per cent.

There was some good news for last year’s minor premiers however, as Jo Weston said of her injury, “This is the first Vixens’ game that I’ve ever missed which is quite a good track record. All is going according to plan, and I’m hoping to be back out there soon.”

Injury strikes twice

In a double blow for the Vixens, both long range shooter Rahni Samason, and star defender Jo Weston, were ruled out of the game with injury. Samason will miss a chunk of the season with an unspecified leg injury, but Weston is hoping to be back on court soon. The Diamonds’ star goal defender has had minimal court time since last year’s Commonwealth Games, as she continues to recover from a calf injury.

McKinnis magic

In spite of it being a night to forget on court, Simone McKinnis racked up her 150th game in charge of the Vixens. Along the way, the straight-talking former Diamond has led the club to two premierships and four minor premierships, becoming one of the modern era’s most successful domestic coaches.

Collingwood import's World Cup statement against Swifts

Hot off a Commonwealth Games silver medal, Jamaican import Shimona Nelson spearheaded the Collingwood Magpies to a comprehensive opening round victory in Suncorp Super Netball, beating NSW Swifts 71 to 63.

Nailing a perfect 53/53 goals, Nelson had ample opportunity at goal thanks to the defensive efforts of her compatriot and MVP Jodi-Ann Ward who was hauling in balls at every opportunity.

With four intercepts, seven deflections and four pick ups throughout the game, Ward forced changes in the Swifts attacking end, with legend Romelda Aiken-George spending some time on the bench.

With Nelson and Aiken-George fighting for the second goal shooter spot on the Jamaican World Cup team, Nelson’s showing against Australian goal keeper Sarah Klau will likely skyrocket her to the top of the list.

On the back foot from the first whistle, Swifts rotated through their entire bench before halftime desperately trying to stop the Collingwood onslaught. Despite having international players aplenty, nothing that head coach Briony Akle put on court was good enough to combat the dominant Magpies. A shining light was youngster Teigan O’Shannassy, injected during the second quarter with her height disrupting the aerial game that Collingwood had been playing with ease.

Despite her dominance at goal shooter for Australia across the international season, Magpie Sophie Garbin was pushed out to goal attack where she has historically struggled. With two early turnovers, she had trouble connecting with her teammates after missing a chunk of preseason through injury but once settled into the game she contributed 12/16 goals, including 6/7 super shots against her former side.

While the Swifts were able to better match Collingwood in the second half, the damage was already done after an uncharacteristic slow start, leaving the Swifts in chase mode for the whole match.

Romelda returns

Romela Aiken-George made her Suncorp Super Netball return following the birth of her first child last year. While not a performance she will be adding to the highlight reel, her accuracy was an improvement to what we’ve seen in the past and she will be hoping to return to her former dominance over the coming weeks.

Magpies midcourt

Magpies Kelsey Browne and Molly Jovic were running rings around Diamonds duo Paige Hadley and Maddy Proud in the mid-court. Their speed and smarts left their opposition in the dust, giving them the time and space to find their shooters with ease.

Mentor of old

Entering her 21st season of elite netball, English international Geva Mentor showed why she has become a household name. After a disappointing domestic and international campaign in 2022, Mentor means business in 2023.