The 2022 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season is almost upon us, so it is time to take a look at each of the contenders for the upcoming season and what 2022 might have in store for them. Next up, the Melbourne Vixens.

Season 2021

Ladder: 8^th
Win-loss: 2-12
Percentage: 86%

2021 was always going to be a struggle for the Vixens, and that is exactly how the season transpired.

Despite winning the flag in 2020, Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip retired at the end of that season, and then the Vixens were dealt another blow on the eve of the their new campaign when Liz Watson was ruled out with injury.

What followed was a wooden spoon year for the Vixens. They won just two games, and although the likes of Kate Moloney and their other leaders stood up, the holes that Thwaites and Phillip left with their retirements were always going to be a struggle to fill, especially for the young and inexperienced Vixens.

But, that’s in the past and it’s time to look forward to 2022.

There have been a number of changes to the Vixens line up that took to the court in the 2021 season.

Firstly, the departures.

Allie Smith and Kadie-Ann Dehaney have left to join the Swifts and Lightning respectively, and they delisted Kaylia Stanton and Ruby Barkmeyer.

In their place, they’ve promoted from within, but also looked external.

The Vixens first two newcomers for the 2022 season were actually injury replacement players last season that have retained their places for 2022.

Hannah Mundy is a versatile midcourter that can play all three midcourt positions. She’s only young, but has the poise of someone much older.

The other injury replacement from last season that gets another gig is Rahni Samason. She is a shooter who has already proven she can shoot from anywhere in the circle.

The Vixens’ other off season recruits have come from very different corners and scenarios in their careers.

Kiera Austin comes from the GIANTS, and after suffering an ACL injury in the opening round last season, this goaler will certainly be keen to get back out on court and impress her new team mates.

The other new recruit is Olivia Lewis, who’s a Goal Keeper that has come across from the Fever. She has readymade skills and can make an impact on the court quickly. She is slightly shorter then the other Vixen’s defenders, but provides a more mobile option to the Vixens.

One positive for the Vixens heading into 2022 is that their star co-captaincy partnership is back.

Watson and Moloney have been named captains again for 2022, and their knowledge and leadership will be

The Vixens had the perfect Team Girls Cup.

They went undefeated throughout the three round robin matches, beating the Firebirds, Lightning and Swifts.

They then played the Fever in the final, and defeated them to be crowned Champions of the Team Girls Cup for 2022.

Not only did they go undefeated throughout the tournament, but they played some very good netball and looked more like the side that won the flag in 2020.

Captain Watson returned to the starting side and was back at her best, while neither Austin nor Mwai Kumwenda featured in the tournament, so there’s a lot to be excited about for Vixens fans in 2022.

So, can the Vixens take the momentum from the Team Girls Cup and really return to the Vixens of 2020? Only time will tell.

First up the Vixens have to travel up to Queensland to face the Firebirds at home on Sunday. The match starts at 1pm local time/2pm Melbourne time.

2022 SQUAD

ATTACK:

Mwai Kumwenda
Kiera Austin
Rahni Samason

MIDCOURT:

Kate Moloney
Liz Watson
Kate Eddy
Hannah Mundy

DEFENCE:

Jo Weston
Emily Mannix
Olivia Lewis