Super Netball finals: Melbourne Vixens draw inspiration from Australia’s Paris golden girls in preparation for their own major mission

Australia’s golden girls in Paris are inspiring a nation, and in particular, fuelling the drive for one of Super Netball’s grand finalists on Saturday.

Melbourne Vixens have drawn inspiration from Australia’s golden girls in Paris as they hunt their own major prize in Saturday’s grand final against the Thunderbirds in Adelaide.

Vixens captain Kate Moloney said tuning into the Olympics had helped provide a distraction from the nerves associated with the build-up to the premiership decider and was unfazed about Super Netball’s showpiece being scheduled while the eyes of the sporting world were focused on the Paris Games.

The Vixens face their own Olympic-sized mission travelling to Adelaide to take down the Thunderbirds, who have not lost a match at home this year, two weeks after suffering a brutal 25-goal semi-final loss from the defending champions and minor premiers.

Moloney said it had been inspiring to watch the performances of the gold-medal winning female athletes in Paris, but the Vixens were focused on their mission to reach their own netball pinnacle.

“It’s been nice watching the Olympics all week, something else to watch and take your mind away,” Moloney said.

“I think it’s been pretty incredible to watch the female athletes over in Paris.

“It’s been incredible to see. It’s nice just to sit back and watch and see Australia do so well.

“So we’ll continue to support team Australia, but we’ve got a job to do this weekend.”

Moloney has been inspired by our Olympians. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Melbourne Vixens coach Simone McKinnis was not concerned the league’s finale was being held while the attention of many sports’ fans was on Paris, saying she’d be happy to play in a grand final at Christmas.

“I’m not fussed, to be honest,” McKinnis said.

“We’re playing in the grand final, it could be Christmas Day, I don’t mind. That’s out of my hands.”

The Vixens secured a place in their third Super Netball grand final in five years after a thrilling one-goal preliminary final win over West Coast Fever at John Cain Arena.

McKinnis acknowledged the degree of difficulty climbed against the Thunderbirds on their home turf, but was confident her players would not be unsettled by the partisan crowd.

“They’re a tough opponent no matter where they’re playing, but especially at home,” McKinnis said.

“They’ve got great support. It’s a big challenge, but we’re looking forward to it.

“There’s going to be nerves no matter what. It’s a big occasion. It’s the game of the year.

“Two weeks ago we were there, we know what that crowd’s like …. we’ve experienced it.

“But (we’ll) focus on the things that we can look after and the things that we can control and that’s our preparation this week, that’s our preparation once we get over into Adelaide and that’s our lead in and the way we hit the court on Saturday night.”

McKinnis is confident the Adelaide crowd will not unnerve her Vixens. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

The Vixens have not shied away from a harsh review of their semi-final performance against the Thunderbirds, who they have a 2-1 record against this season.

“We’ve each had areas that we needed to have a look at and players have had their own time to have a look at it and it’s been interesting to chat that through,” McKinnis said.

“It’s important you have to be able to have a look at it and take what you need to from it and that makes us better going into this one.

“We didn’t go on there ready to play semi-finals in terms of the focus. We allowed them to get on top early and then somewhat took a step back and shrunk a little bit from the challenge … so (we know) the importance of coming out strong.

“It’s not about revenge, it’s about playing in a grand final. We fought hard to get this chance.

“We were obviously not happy with the semi-final, but the best thing that we can do is just go and play a brand of netball that we’re proud of and that we’re happy with and that we hope will win a premiership.”

The Vixens suffered a brutal 25-goal loss to the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the major semi-final. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Moloney was equally confident the team could find another gear for the decider.

“It’s just a great opportunity for us as a team to go out there and play the best netball that we’ve played all season, hopefully,” Moloney said.

“We’ve spoken about being disappointed in the semi-final, but we get another shot and we’re in the biggest game of the year and that’s exciting and we want to go out there and play our best netball.”

Originally published as Super Netball finals: Melbourne Vixens draw inspiration from Australia’s Paris golden girls in preparation for their own major mission