THE 2023 Suncorp Super Netball Season is only a matter of weeks away, and in anticipation of the new season we here at Rookie Me Central are going to take an in-depth look at each team and preview what this year may have in store for them.

Today’s preview is all about the Melbourne Vixens.

The Vixens experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in season 2022.

After a disastrous 2021 campaign, for much of 2022 the Vixens looked like they were back at their best and poised to return to the heights of 2020, which saw them win the whole thing.

However, after finishing two games clear on top of the ladder, things started to fall apart. The Vixens’ best was far from present in the finals, and although they showed moments of brilliance in the preliminary final, they were generally below par in the postseason.

Although it was never admitted publicly, one cannot help but wonder if the controversial SSN Grand Final hosting decision played on the minds of the Vixens. The timing of the decision certainly lined up with the Vixens’ shaky form first starting to show.

Regardless, they still made the Grand Final which was a huge achievement considering their 2021 season, and there is a lot to look forward to for the Vixens and their fans.

The way things ended last season will no doubt motivate the Melbourne-based side heading into this season, and one thing that will be of benefit to them is the fact that the squad is the exact same as 2022.

Once again lead by Kate Moloney and Liz Watson, and well supported by the likes of Emily Mannix and Jo Weston, the Vixens have one of the most experienced squads in the competition. As is the case with any side, the more time a group of athletes consistently plays together, the more connections grow.

But the question is, will the pain of last year negatively affect the Vixens? As Liz Watson noted at the league’s season launch during the week, no one has lost the Grand Final and then gone on to make the following year’s decider, so the Vixens will have to buck a heck of a trend.

Melbourne Vixens 2023 Squad

Emily Mannix
Hannah Mundy
Jo Weston
Kate Eddy
Kate Moloney
Kiera Austin
Liz Watson
Mwai Kumwenda
Olivia Lewis
Rahni Samason