Melbourne is banking on their big game experience to give them an edge in Super Netball Grand Final against West Coast Fever
After losing just twice this season to finish first, the Vixens are favorites for the title, which would be their first since 2014
But the highest scoring Fever roared in the final at the Nissan Arena in Brisbane to set up an exciting campaign highlight on Sunday
The match will be the last for veteran Vixens shooters Tegan Philip and Caitlin Thwaites, who announced in September that they would retire after the final
Philip made the 2014 Grand Final, as did co-captains and midfielder stars Liz Watson and Kate Moloney, as well as defenseman Jo Weston
Add to the Diamonds experience spread across the squad and the Vixens hope their big game skills can prove the difference against the Fever
The last time the teams met, the game ended in a draw, with the Vixens resuming their way after the fever took a big lead
« We have players who have played at the highest level and players who have already played in the final, if not in the grand final, » said Philip, who won the MVP title in that 2014 grand final.
« It’s definitely an asset and something we should call on when we go on Sunday
« We know that if we stick to our game plan it will take us across the line. The experience each of us has is an added bonus for us »
Philip said his team were prepared for a quick start by the Fever, which has goaltender Jhaniele Fowler in better career shape
She said the Vixens need defenders Weston and Emily Mannix to do their best to stop the Jamaican free scoring star from getting into her rhythm
“They came out shooting this weekend and they will do it again, so we have to be strong and tough and counter that, give the momentum as much as possible,” Philip said.
Philip said she and Thwaites, who have shared accommodation at their Queensland hub for 14 weeks since moving from Melbourne, would take a moment to greet their final hurray but want to make sure that attention remains on the ‘team
Fever captain Courtney Bruce said her players were on their guard for players like Philip, Thwaites and Mwai Kumwenda, who share the Vixens’ shooting load
“All three of them are happy to take two-pointers,” said Bruce “Caitlin Thwaites is probably the one that comes to mind – she’s not shy, she’s not going to back down to take them
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« I’ve played it a lot We probably know how to get on each other’s nerves, but that’s the beauty of netball and that’s why we love playing against each other »
Melbourne Vixens, Suncorp Super Netball, West Coast Fever, Caitlin Thwaites, Grand Final, Tegan Philip, Jhaniele Fowler, Australia National Netball Team
World News – AU – Fever eye fever claim the netball crown
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
