By Pip Turton
What a performance at John Cain Arena, and what a way to showcase a Melbourne derby.
Sixty minutes was not enough to separate these two sides, with the Vixens and Mavericks delivering a match packed with intensity, momentum swings and pure netball drama before it was finally decided in extra time.
The Mavericks came out firing in the opening quarter, setting the tone early with strong attacking connection and confidence in the goal circle.
The combination of Jamie-Lee Price and Shimona Nelson proved difficult for the Vixens to contain, with Nelson dominant under the post and finishing accurately.
Long, looping entries into the Mavericks’ attacking third allowed them to control possession, while Reilley Batcheldor added to the scoreboard with some composed shooting.
Despite efforts from Sophie Garbin at the other end, the Mavericks held the upper hand, taking a 19–14 lead into the first break.
Shimona Nelson fights for the rebound.
The second quarter saw a shift in momentum as the Vixens lifted their intensity through the midcourt.
Captain Kate Moloney led from the front, applying relentless pressure and driving the ball forward with purpose, while Hannah Mundy worked tirelessly alongside her to create opportunities.
However, the Mavericks refused to let go of their lead. Jamie-Lee Price was everywhere, picking up loose balls and feeding Nelson with precision.
Kim Brown also made her presence felt in defence, disrupting the Vixens’ flow and slowing their scoring.
With time winding down in the half, Kiera Austin delivered a clutch super shot in the final seconds to level the scores at 31-all, setting up a thrilling second half.
Jamie-Lee Price flies for the ball.
The third quarter continued to deliver high-quality netball, with both teams trading blows in a tightly contested battle.
Mavericks captain Amy Parmenter made an immediate impact with a crucial intercept, which was quickly converted into goals by Nelson.
The Mavericks began to edge ahead, thanks in part to Maddie Hay’s willingness to take risks with long feeds into the circle.
Jessie Grenvold stood tall in defence, forcing the Vixens to work hard for every goal. But the Vixens responded through their own defensive efforts, with Jo Weston producing a strong intercept and Tara Hinchliffe stepping up with key deflections and turnovers.
Sacha McDonald also had a milestone moment, scoring her first Suncorp Super Netball goal.
By the end of the quarter, the Mavericks held a narrow 49–45 lead.
Jo Weston was strong in defense.
With everything on the line in the final quarter, the intensity reached another level.
Jessie Grenvold again made her mark with an early intercept, while Nelson continued to convert under pressure.
The Mavericks looked to be gaining control, extending their lead before a tactical timeout from the Vixens shifted the momentum.
Moloney provided crucial options through the centre, lifting her side with smart movement and composure.
The Vixens began to find space, and Austin stepped up once again with an important goal.
As the clock ticked down, the pressure was immense.
With just three minutes remaining, only one goal separated the teams.
Austin then delivered a moment of brilliance, nailing a super shot to give the Vixens their first lead of the game.
The tension only increased when Nelson missed a crucial opportunity, allowing the Vixens to manage the clock.
A concerning moment followed as Tara Hinchliffe went down with a possible ACL, halting play.
With one minute remaining and scores tight, Jamie-Lee Price found Nelson, who converted to level the scores at full time and force extra time.
Hannah Mundy wanted the ball.
The added time provided more twists.
The Mavericks looked slightly unsettled, with a few errors creeping into their play.
Garbin capitalised for the Vixens with important goals, while Nelson was replaced by Uneeq Palavi in a tactical change.
Grenvold produced another key intercept, leading to a Palavi goal, but the Vixens held their nerve. Moloney continued to apply pressure, and the connection between Weston and Garbin helped build momentum.
At the end of the first five minutes of extra time, the Vixens led 68–65.
In the final minutes, the Mavericks fought back through Palavi, who drained two super shots to keep her side in contention.
Time was against them.
The Vixens maintained composure, controlling possession and making the most of their opportunities.
When the final whistle blew, it was the Vixens who emerged victorious in a thrilling 72–71 win.
