MELBOURNE Vixens head coach Simone McKinnis and her troops are back in a familiar place, back in a Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final two years after their last appearance in the big dance.

McKinnis said that the fact that the vast majority of the group is the same as it was two years ago has been important in the build up this week.

“I think that that core consistency in the group is important. There’s a lot of experience there, but I think our newer members bring a lot and change that dynamic as well and bringing a lot to what makes us strong as a team.”

One of those newer faces in the team this year is Zara Walters, who according to McKinnis has been fantastic.

“Unfortunate for her with the injury, but you saw her in pre season in Team Girls Cup, in early game rounds that she was playing, she’s just stepped in like she’s been there the whole time,” she said.

“She wasn’t necessarily coming in to replace Liz Watson, that was the challenge for her, that everyone was going to say she’s replacing Liz Watson. She’s coming as a new player to our team and she’s embraced it. I think she’s been outstanding all year.”

McKinnis also said that everyone in the Vixens’ camp is really excited.

“I mean, we had worked hard to get to this point and to earn the right to play in the grand final and they’re a tough opponent no matter where they’re playing, but especially at home,” she said.

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

Speaking of history repeating, the Vixens played tomorrow’s opponent the Adelaide Thunderbirds only a fortnight ago, and McKinnis spoke of the lessons the team learned.

“I think we allowed them to get on top early and then somewhat took a step back and shrunk a little bit from the challenge in the most basic way of saying it,” she said. “So just the importance of  coming out strong, and being prepared to fight it out minute by minute, quarter by quarter.

“It’s not about revenge. It’s about playing in a grand final and we’ve fought hard to get this chance. We were obviously not happy with the semi final and the best thing that we can do is just go and play our brand of netball that we’re proud of and that we’re happy with and that we hope will win a premiership.”

Although the Thunderbirds’ defence is world renowned, McKinnis said that there’s more to the side then just the defenders.

“They’re a strong team. That’s why they’re hosting a grand final. And we bring our strengths as well. And that’s being smart with the ball. That’s being bringing different elements to our attack end. Certainly being smart with the ball and backing ourselves and in defence as well to be able to get ball.”

Unfortunately due to resource limitations and circumstances beyond our control, we won’t be hearing from the Adelaide Thunderbirds’ camp ahead of the Grand Final.