Truth behind pub quip by Melbourne Vixens’ coach, international’s return on the cards and village aiding Fern’s Super Netball journey

It’s the offhand comment that immediately became a viral Super Netball moment. Here is what really happened after Vixens’ coach Simone McKinnis suggested her team should go to the pub.

It was one of the viral moments of the season.

Vixens’ coach Simone McKinnis offered her left-field take on how she could inject some life into her team’s “flat” performances after their round six loss to the Sunshine Coast Lightning when she suggested the team should “go to the pub”.

Melbourne Vixens coach Simone McKinnis on how her side can turn around their poor start to the Super Netball season.

So, did the Vixens follow up on the coach’s suggestion?

Mid-court star Hannah Mundy revealed the group did get together the following week for a team dinner not long after McKinnis’ suggestion, for some team bonding, Origin and steak.

“That was a running joke, it still is,” Mundy said.

Hannah Mundy having a bit of fun. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“We went to the pub and watched the (State of) Origin one night and it does bring us closer, those off-court connections.

“It was just a little team dinner that we had, all of us, but we do hang out quite a bit outside of training. We had a culture session then went to the pub for a steak night.

“I’m sure Simone won’t want us going to the pub every week though, so we might have to think of another alternative in the back half of the season.”

Simone McKinnis is presented with flowers coaching her 200th game. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Since McKinnis’ pub quip, the Vixens have won three consecutive games - although all have been against sides in the bottom half of the ladder.

They face a tougher test on Sunday, hosting competition leaders the Swifts at John Cain Arena.

Cardwell chance to make her return to the court

Mavericks goaler Eleanor Cardwell is a chance to play her first match of the season in the Super Netball reserves this weekend.

The English international has not featured for the Mavs yet this season after undergoing pre-season knee surgery - her second operation in the space of six months.

Eleanor Cardwell is inching closer to a Mavericks return. Picture: Getty Images

Cardwell was doing “top-up” work on court following the Mavericks’ loss to the Vixens last Sunday and coach Tracey Neville said she was closing in on a return.

“I think Elle, if all goes well this week, she plays her first game in the SN reserves at the weekend,” Neville said.

“Loz (Parkinson) played her first (reserves) last weekend in the Sunny Coast.

“They are building … but how many games have we got left? Four or five games left. Hopefully they will get an opportunity and we will do everything we can but there is obviously some welfare in that they have to tick some boxes in respect to medical and on court stuff before they come on court (In Super Netball).

“Someone like Elle, she has got an international season and she has got a long-term plan in respect to (Commonwealth Games).

“In respect to Loz, it has been a long time and hopefully she will get her Mavs’ wings for us.”

Neville confirmed Cardwell is nearing a return. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

NZ veteran could extend her stay in Aus

Former Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua could extend her stint at the Giants until the end of the season.

Kopua, who came into the Giants side in place of Jamaican defender Jodi-Ann Ward - who ruptured her ACL in round 7 - has played two full 60-minute games since being announced as a shock replacement by coach Julie Fitzgerald.

The Giants are expecting Tilly McDonell back from a calf injury at some stage this season but Kopua and the club are in discussions about her staying on for an extended stint.

Kopua could be with the Giants for the rest of the season. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Kopua is inspiring the likes of defenders Amy Sligar (above, left) and Erin O’Brien (above). Photo: Getty Images

A busy mother of three who turns 40 next week, Kopua faces a juggle to play in Australia.

“I’m still unsure how we make that work because we have so much going on at home, but we make it work at our village back at home - my mum, my sisters and my brother to look after our kids so that we can make it work,” she said.

“There’s a lot of moving pieces, but it’s something that’s definitely worth it.”

Among those likely to be most happy to hear Kopua could stay on would be the young Giants defenders, like Erin O’Brien and Amy Sligar, who are benefiting hugely from the savvy veteran’s knowledge.

“I’m just trying to give them confidence, make them feel like they can go for the ball and it doesn’t matter if they don’t get it,” she said of the Giants’ goal defence and wing defence.

“And trying to be the eyes in the back of their heads. So just trying to give them a little bit of that “top two inches”, so out on the court they feel free.”