Vixens are back on track

By Charlie McKay

The Melbourne Vixens defeated the GIANTS 61-55 in a tight tussle at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon. 

Keen to make amends for a lacklustre showing against the Thunderbirds last week, the Vixens dug deep to claim their first win of the season on home soil.

Vixens stalwart Jo Weston celebrated her 150th national league appearance today and saw plenty of the ball.

Starting in goal keeper, Weston read the game well from the back and delivered an impressive milestone performance, finishing with 3 gains and 2 rebounds.  

The Vixens were slow out of the gate and the GIANTS pounced.

They were humming in attack, with rookie Hope White getting her first SSN start in wing attack after an impressive Round 1 debut.

Erin O’Brien built on last week’s form, shutting down Sophie Garbin under the post early.

Jo Harten showed no hesitation in the first power five, firing in two super shots.

The away team took a 15-11 lead into quarter time.

But a rejuvenated Vixens outfit wasted no time in clawing back the deficit.

They took an 8-1 lead to open the second quarter, connecting down the court and forcing a handful of GIANTS turnovers.  

A vocal Melbourne crowd roared to life to help wrestle back momentum.  

Winning the quarter 20-9, the Vixens went into the main break with a comfortable 31-24 lead.

It was a similar story of vastly different opening quarters for the GIANTS in Round 1, and they’ll be looking for consistency as the season progresses.   

The third quarter was a tussle for possession, and the teams went goal-for-goal until the GIANTS gained some momentum late in the quarter.

They managed to close the gap and headed into the final break trailing 45-42.  

The crowd held their breath as the GIANTS narrowed the margin in the fourth, but the Vixens held their nerve to close out the game.

It was a scintillating, topsy turvy battle with plenty of grit.

There’s been plenty of talk this week about whether the GIANTS can prosper in 2025 with minimal personnel changes—but today they showed fight and will take confidence from the close margin against a quality opponent. 

GIANTS coach Julie Fitzgerald was impressed with her team's efforts. 

"We couldn't even compete with the Vixens last year," she said. 

Vixens coach Simone McKinnis boasted her side’s defensive versatility, mixing up traditional combinations with Kate Eddy playing a full game in goal defence and Zara Walters in wing defence.

Weston played most of the game at keeper before swinging into wing defence late in the game.

"It was a hard slog," McKinnis said after the game. "We're pleased with the win." 

The Vixens will take on a bruised West Coast Fever side next week at John Cain Arena.