By Charlie McKay
Melbourne Vixens have extended their dominance over cross-town rivals Melbourne Mavericks, claiming a 66–57 victory in front of a sold-out crowd at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The result marks three wins on the trot for the Vixens, while the Mavericks continue to struggle in 2025 with just two wins from nine outings.
It was a tug of war except for a dominant Vixens start which set them up for the rest of the game.
The Vixens exploded out of the blocks with seven unanswered goals, asserting their dominance early and forcing the Mavericks onto the back foot.
Mavericks struggled to find any rhythm, and a vocal crowd urged the Vixens on to a commanding 19-11 lead at quarter time.
The Austin-Garbin connection is back in earnestVixens extended their lead in the second, applying scoreboard pressure before a tactical shake-up from the Mavericks shifted the momentum.
Switching to a moving circle with Sasha Glasgow and Uneeq Palavi injected much-needed spark into the attack, allowing the Mavericks to claw their way back into the contest.
They managed to draw the second term, but the Vixens still held a 35-27 advantage at half time.
Vixens held their nerve in the second half, repelling repeated comeback attempts from the Mavericks.
They controlled possession with patience and precision, making smart decisions with ball in hand.
While the Mavericks generated more gains in defence, they struggled to convert those opportunities into scoreboard pressure.
They were forced into the super shot in the final Power Five to claw back the margin, but Vixens applied pressure over the shot and won rebound opportunities, closing out the match with composure.
Mavericks have come under fire in recent weeks for a high penalty count, and today was no exception - conceding 81 to Vixens' 56.
Both teams will play in Melbourne again next week, with the Mavericks coming up against premiership contenders Fever and the Vixens taking on the ladder-leading Swifts.
