IN the first game of the 2019 season the Melbourne Vixens flexed their muscles with a big win over the Firebirds. We attended the match and took notes on one player from each side, analysing their influence on the court.

VIXENS: TEGAN PHILIP
By: Sophie Taylor

Goal attack, Tegan Philip is a veteran for the Melbourne Vixens coming into 2019, and in the first game of the season she proved why she is still a force to be reckoned with in Suncorp Super Netball. With an innate ability to read the play and strategically move the ball through attack, Philip’s accuracy was only one of her impressive attributes showcased in the season opener against the Queensland Firebirds.

The Vixens had a slow start to the match credit to the defensive intensity of the Firebirds. With momentum swinging to the visitors’ side and the likes of Kim Jenner seemingly getting in the heads of Philip and fellow shooter, Caitlin Thwaites, the first quarter saw the Vixens struggle to get the upper hand in the goal circle. Despite issues in attack, Philip put her best foot forward from the get-go to create opportunities in attack, as she cleverly weaved in and out of traffic to offer an option forward. But the tables eventually turned which saw the shooting pair get the upper hand and start to take advantage of possession, with 100 per cent accuracy in the first half proving their composure under the post.

Philip’s ability to get out of congestion at the centre pass is credit to her exceptional footwork and speed off the transverse line, managing 24 centre pass receives to put the ball to the advantage of her teammates. With smooth movement, footwork and accuracy to boot, Philip was unstoppable as the ball continued to fly into the circle, eventually wearing down the opposition as the experienced circle work of Philip and Thwaites outweighed the raw skill and youth of the Firebirds’ defence.

Philip’s consistency and accuracy at the post were key features of her game on Saturday, shooting at 96 per cent with 23 goals from 24 attempts. The Vixens had 51 goals from centre pass receives, proving the wealth of work Philip put in throughout attack, not only in the goal circle but in the goal third.

Despite her strengths, Philip’s game still had some issues that will need to be ironed out, such as the seven general play turnovers to her name. Due to the Vixens’ immense crowding and issues in attack this statistic is not unexpected, however it is something that could have a far greater impact on the match once the season heats up.

FIREBIRDS: TARA HINCHLIFFE
By: Taylah Melki

In a new look defence for the Firebirds, youngster Tara Hinchliffe donned the goal keeper bib and proved why she is a force to be reckoned with on the court. She has an excellent ability to read the play and gets hands to ball in times of need. Hinchliffe showcased her strength to block and cover Thwaites’ movement in the goal circle early on in the game, covering her step for step in the opening quarter in particular. Her pressure and clever body positioning allowed her to cover the front and back space really well, however it was her hands over pressure that cost her at times. Hinchliffe took a while to adjust her distance, getting plenty of whistle in the opening half. Her inexperience really started to show later on throughout the game, giving away some penalties and allowing her opposition to get the better of her as she also started to tire.

She took a good intercept in the opening minutes of the first quarter to really set the tone defensively for the Firebirds and she maintained that attacking intent throughout the match. Hinchliffe proved that she was not afraid to go out and hunt the ball with both her aerial and ground ball skills on display throughout the match. She impressed with her ability to communicate and use her voice in the defence end to ensure that players were covered. She was constantly involved in the contest credit to her good footwork and turn of speed to go and grab an intercept. She paired well with her defensive teammates to block the corridor and passage to goal circle winning a couple of held balls.

Hinchliffe had a fantastic tip on the shot in the last quarter and followed up to win the ball back for the Firebirds. She showed great composure and footwork to get cleanly around her opponent and not infringe. She made the most of her speed and got another deflection with her ability to run down and chase the loose ball a real asset of her game. She showed that she was not afraid to take the body contact and played with a bit more freedom in the final term getting her hands to more ball.

After a solid start, she found herself on the bench to start the third quarter but once she came back on midway through the term she adjusted to the style of play. Her distance was much better but the experience and connection of Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip proved too much for the Firebirds defender, unable to quell the influence of the shooters.

Though she is still developing there is plenty of excitement surrounding the youngster who has a plethora of defensive skills. Unfortunately she was subjected to a fair bit of the whistle and was unable to contain Thwaites who in the end proved to be too dominant and experienced.