Super Netball: Heartbreaking grand final loss spurring the Melbourne Vixens 2025 campaign

Melbourne defender Rudi Ellis says the Vixens have not been lacking for motivation during the pre-season and has opened up on the heartache from their 2024 grand final loss that’s fuelling their redemption.

Melbourne Vixens defender Rudi Ellis says the team’s heartbreaking Super Netball grand final loss to Adelaide Thunderbirds last year has been driving the squad over summer and instilled a “burning desire to absolutely kill it” this season.

As the Vixens ramp up preparations for their 2025 campaign, Ellis said the team’s two-goal loss to the Thunderbirds in the premiership decider had given the team plenty of motivation to “make it all the way” this year.

The Vixens addressed the premiership defeat with coach Simone McKinnis when the full group gathered for their first day of pre-season together before turning their attention to plotting their 2025 fightback.

“Obviously we were really excited to make the grand final, but to come so close and not quite make it, we have got a burning desire to absolutely kill it this year,” Ellis said.

Rudi Ellis (R) says the Melbourne Vixens’ will be hungry for redemption. Picture: Michael Barker

“We were definitely disappointed with that game, but we have put lots and lots of work into training, these practice matches to try to have a really solid season so we can get back there again and make it all the way.

“We have got the same group, which always helps with consistency and just building on that, but I really do think we’ve all got that hunger and desire to make it all the way.

“It is always important to address last season and we did so, I think it was the very first day that we were all together as a group.

“But I think it is also about switching gears into this new year and just doing things a little bit differently, but we really are excited to put all of this work into action in this coming season and hopefully make it all the way.”

The Vixens will enter season 2025 with a potentially unchanged line-up with just a question mark over the return of goal keeper Emily Mannix, who last month welcomed the arrival of her first child – a daughter named Mabel.

Ellis said Mannix’s return plans would be worked out between the defender and the coach.

“It’s definitely still up in the air, it’s definitely between Simone and Em and they will work out her return,” Ellis said.

“But I think in whatever capacity she comes back in she will be amazing, whether that’s as a leader and a part of the group and on the court, but I’m sure she will do amazing things with her bub this season, which is exciting.

“But that is between Simone and Em at the minute.”

Ellis described her 2024 season as an “unreal year” when she capped an impressive season for the Vixens with a national call-up and Diamonds’ debut.

Ellis made her Diamonds debut in 2024. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

But the 190cm goal keeper was confident she could take her game to another level this year.

“I have still got lots to improve on, I think I have only scratched the surface which is exciting,” Ellis said in an interview to promote the Vixens’ fan day at Federation Square on March 23.

“It is all about getting my feet moving, ripping in, rebound balls and hunting. I just want to practice everything this pre-season and really give it my all this season and just strengthen that combination in the defensive line at the Vixens.

“I am just like the rest of the group itching to get back out there this season and have another really good year as a group and hopefully take out that premiership trophy.

“It was definitely a great year and really thankful for the experiences I had but really looking forward to this year and what we can achieve in 2025.”