Second half dominance propels Vixens to victory over the Mavericks in second Melbourne derby

Two Melbourne derbies have resulted in two wins for the old firm after a King’s Birthday take-down by the Vixens.

Kiera Austin’s super shot masterclass guided the Melbourne Vixens to the top of the Super Netball ladder with clinical 19-goal win in the second edition of the Melbourne Match-Up against the Melbourne Mavericks at a sold-out John Cain Arena.

The Vixens won the new rivals’ first meeting by six goals but this time around it was more a demolition, pulling away after scores were level early and outscoring their opponents 40-28 in the second-half to record an emphatic 77-58 win.

A late injury to star goalkeeper Rudi Ellis, who was helped from the court with ankle issue in the final minutes of the clash was the only low light as the Vixens assumed bragging rights in Melbourne.

Austin shot a perfect seven of seven attempts at the two-point shot during the power five to be the highest rated player on the court and put the Vixens a game clear of the West Coast Fever in first.

One of six Vixens named in the Diamonds squad during the week, she was similarly deadly in regular time and led the match for goal assists with 21 before heading to the bench during the final quarter to allow 18-year-old Lily Graham - who nailed a super shot of her own - some court time.

“It’s a choice to go out there every week and really put your foot down and work hard, and drive on to the ball,” Austin said.

“I was a bit slow to start as I was finding my feet a bit and then I really wanted to put the foot down.”

Han never says die, you love to see it! 🔥
Q2 Vixens 37 | 32 Mavs#VIXvMAVpic.twitter.com/AN3v4yFHP7

— Melbourne Vixens (@MelbourneVixens) June 10, 2024

The defensive side of Austin’s game was also a standout as she chalked up four deflections and an intercept which she was most pleased with post-game.

“I think I get more satisfaction from an intercept than a super shot,” she said with a laugh. “My sister’s a defender so maybe that’s where I get it from.”

Ellis resembles namesake

Vixens fans could be forgiven for thinking Liz Ellis in her prime had donned a navy dress and lined up on Shimona Jok at times in the first half.

Before she limped off, Rudi Ellis, who was the only member of the Vixens starting seven not to be named in the Diamonds squad during the week showed higher honours may be in her future as she swung the game in her team’s favour in the second term.

The former West Coast Fever and Queensland Firebirds defender changed tact after quarter time to take front position against Mavericks shooter Jok and it paid immediate dividends with two intercepts inspiring the Vixens to a five-goal half time lead.

Rudi Ellis of the Vixens sustains an ankle injury. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Mavericks’ intensity backfires

The Mavericks’ desperation to gain a first win against the older sibling led to some overzealous defending.

During the half time break, Mavericks defenders Kim Jenner, Olivia Lewis and Kristiana Manu’a sought clarification from the umpires regarding their body work as they gave away 27 penalties between them in the first half.

The number swelled to 46 at full time and as a team the Mavericks conceded 82 penalties - eight more than their opponents.

“This season it’s been interesting to see what’s called and what’s not,” Mavericks captain Amy Parmenter said.

“Sometimes I question ‘what is a contact?’ because sometimes you get away with this and sometimes you get away with that.

“It’s about adjusting in game to what the umpires are calling.”

Mavericks’ courage

Vixens coach Simone McKinnis expressed her admiration pre-match for the Mavericks’ heart and hunger which was symbolised by wing attack Maisie Nankivell.

Nankivell broke her nose in last week’s win against the Swifts but would not sit out the chance to take on the Mavericks’ biggest rivals instead sporting strapping around her head to keep her nose supported.

The injury ward mounted up when captain Amy Parmenter appeared to dislocate the pinky finger on her right when hunting a loose ball early in the second quarter.

Originally published as Second half dominance propels Vixens to victory over the Mavericks in second Melbourne derby