THE Vixens were one win away from the big dance but fell victim to their inconsistency once again unable to put out a four quarter performance. Overall it was a successful season for Melbourne who showed that they came to play renowned for their strong connections and traditional game plan.

Position: 3rd
Percentage: 107.87%
Win-loss: 8-1-5

Overview:

The Melbourne Vixens flexed their muscles throughout season 2019 albeit for a couple of quarters here and there but when they were on they piled the pressure on. They were clinical in attack while the midcourt of Liz Watson and Kate Moloney proved to be the real engine room for the side. When injected into the game Lara Dunkley showed her worth with her drives and tussle at the top of the circle sparking plenty of excitement about her future. The Vixens farewelled netball royalty in Renae Ingles with the wing defence hanging up the netburners after a stellar career. Her drive and defensive pressure was a great asset for the side with Jo Weston and Emily Mannix relishing the coverage out the front from the highly experienced player. New recruit and fan favourite Caitlin Thwaites fitted in seamlessly with her holds, accuracy and timing on song. She paired well with the likes of Tegan Philip and Ine-Mari Venter while sometimes rotating through the goal attack position herself to give the attacking end a shake-up. When given a chance Jamaican defender Kadie-Ann Dehaney played her role while the Vixens welcomed Mwai Kumwenda back from an ACL later in the year.

Shining light:

There were a multitude of key players for the Vixens but in her last year it was Ingles that showed her class. She stood up time and time again with her smothering defence and ability to lock down players. Her combination with Mannix and Weston was important for the Vixens with the trio denying easy access down the court and picking off passes. While her defensive pressure was second to none her drive down the court was crucial providing back up support on the transverse line and slicing through the zones to open up space. The wing defence took the game on at every opportunity using her height to block the vision of her opponent and dictate the flow of the ball with her commanding presence.

2020 predictions:

The line-up for the Vixens is still relatively unknown and up for grabs with the defensive end the only one officially locked in. Mannix, Weston and Dehaney have all proven they have what it takes to rotate through the defensive circle and apply pressure to worry the shooter out of the shot and cause confusion for the feeders. The Jamaican international has displayed her ability to come into the game and have an immediate impact with her long reach and read of the play while her ever growing connection with Weston could be beneficial for the Vixens. All three defenders ooze class and ball winning ability thus will be provide stability down back given the possible changes in the goal circle.