Melbourne Vixens could lock in a top four spot if they beat Lightning and keep Kiera Austin’s dreams of premiership glory alive

Super Netball finals contenders could just about be locked in this weekend – but the Melbourne Vixens will have to do something they haven’t been able to do all season, writes ERIN SMITH

If the Vixens break their away game curse against the Sunshine Coast this weekend Kiera Austin’s dream of winning a premiership will be one step closer with a spot in the top four almost guaranteed.

The Vixens goaler, who made the move to the Melbourne club last season after tearing her ACL and missing the Giants’ grand final appearance, is desperate to win a premiership.

The Melbourne squad have won all five home games this season – losing their three away games.

They are fourth on the ladder eight points ahead of Sunday’s rival Lightning.

If they can get their first away win of the season it would put them three wins ahead of Lightning with five games to go.

The current form of Melbourne Vixens is giving hope to Austin’s premiership dreams. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

Of their last five encounters Lightning have won just once, in round five last year – but Austin said you could never count the Sunny Coast team out – even with their injury depleted squad.

Lightning have had a rough season losing Reilley Batcheldor with an ACL tear pre-season and then Tara Hinchcliffe and Shannon Eagland to the same injury.

“They are just a spirited team, they look like they always have each others’ back,” Austin said.

“They have had a difficult season with long term injuries and last week the personal news of the passing of Charlie Bell’s dad so a win would boost their spirits.

“You can’t ever write off a Lightning team, especially a Lightning team at home who still have potential to make finals.

“It is really important we knuckle down and get the win.”

Austin said overall the Vixens were in a good spot going into the final stretch of the season.

“We had a few games where it was a bit up and down but we are finding some good patches toward the right end of the season rather than peaking too soon,” she said.

Lightning coach Belinda Reynolds said this weekend’s match was “pivotal” to their finals hopes.

“We will be attacking this contest like it is a final,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds needs to ensure her Lightning are ready for the contest on Sunday to keep their finals’ hopes alive. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Rookie Ava Black will again be called into the squad with Reynolds still yet to find a permanent replacement for the injured Eagland.

“She was injected into the centre role last time we played Vixens and I thought she did a great job. She has a lot of speed about her and brings a lot of variety to the midcourt,” Reynolds said.

Just four points kept Lightning from the win when the two teams met in Melbourne in round four.

“Vixens are a top quality outfit, they have really strong players across the court and impact players on the bench,” Reynolds said.

“We know we can beat them, we matched it with them right up until the last few minutes of the game in round four.

“We know that we have to have impacts over every quarter and treasure possession if we want to win.”

Vixens play Lightning at Sunshine Coast at 2pm on Sunday.

Originally published as Melbourne Vixens could lock in a top four spot if they beat Lightning and keep Kiera Austin’s dreams of premiership glory alive