Melbourne Vixens Believe They Can Break West Coast Fever in Super Netball Grand Final.
As the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season reaches its crescendo, all eyes turn to this weekend’s grand final showdown between the Melbourne Vixens and the West Coast Fever. For the Vixens, this match represents not only the chance to lift the championship trophy but also the opportunity to prove that belief, strategy, and resilience can overcome the aura of dominance that the Fever have built throughout the campaign.
The clash is being billed as a classic duel between one of Australia’s most decorated netball franchises and a side that has developed into a modern powerhouse. Yet, despite the Fever’s formidable form, the Vixens insist they have what it takes to break them down when it matters most.
A Battle of Styles
The West Coast Fever have been the benchmark in Super Netball this year. Led by captain Courtney Bruce and featuring the imposing shooting presence of Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Fever’s game plan has been brutally efficient. Their ability to feed the towering Jamaican shooter, coupled with rapid midcourt transitions, has left many teams struggling to contain their flow.
However, the Vixens argue that they possess the defensive nous and tactical patience to disrupt that rhythm. With Emily Mannix and Jo Weston marshalling the defensive third, Melbourne believes they can at least slow down the delivery to Fowler-Nembhard, forcing the Fever into uncharacteristic errors.
Head coach Simone McKinnis expressed confidence in her team’s ability to challenge Fever’s dominance:
“We respect what Fever have achieved this season, but we also know where their vulnerabilities are. We’ve studied them closely, and our players are determined to execute our game plan with precision. Grand finals are not just about form; they’re about moments, pressure, and belief. And we’ve got plenty of belief.”
The Vixens’ Journey to the Grand Final
The path to the grand final has been anything but straightforward for Melbourne. After finishing the regular season in third place, they had to battle their way through intense finals matchups. Their thrilling preliminary final win showcased both their resilience and their ability to rise in clutch moments.
Central to their success has been the attacking pairing of Kiera Austin and Mwai Kumwenda (MJ). Austin’s creativity and long-range shooting have complemented Kumwenda’s movement in the circle, providing the Vixens with a scoring edge against even the best defences. The midcourt, led by Kate Moloney and Liz Watson, has also been pivotal, with Watson’s vision and feeds often dictating the tempo.
The Vixens’ ability to absorb pressure and counterattack with precision has been a hallmark of their season. And as Moloney pointed out, the grand final presents the perfect stage to showcase their identity as a team that thrives on unity.
“We’ve had to fight hard to get here, and that fight is what defines us. We’re not intimidated by Fever. We’ve beaten them before, and we can do it again. It’s about sticking to our structures and believing in each other.”
Fever’s Aura of Dominance
Yet, no one can ignore the stature of the West Coast Fever heading into the match. Fowler-Nembhard remains the league’s most dominant shooter, her accuracy and dominance under the post unmatched. Fever’s midcourt, marshalled by Verity Simmons and Alice Teague-Neeld, has been consistent in delivering ball supply, while Bruce continues to lead from the back with her trademark aggression and ability to disrupt opposition shooters.
Their semi-final demolition of the Giants served as a statement of intent. Fever not only won, but they dismantled their opponents with ruthless efficiency, underlining why many pundits see them as near-unstoppable.
However, Vixens fans are quick to remind that past finals have seen the so-called “favourites” stumble. History suggests that the grand final often brings surprises, and the weight of expectation can sometimes shift the balance.
Mental Edge and Belief
More than tactics, the Vixens are banking on the mental side of the game. Sports psychologists have often spoken about the importance of belief in grand final scenarios, where nerves and pressure can erode even the most polished systems.
The Vixens, who last lifted the trophy in 2020, know what it feels like to triumph on the biggest stage. That experience, they argue, gives them a crucial edge. Players like Watson, Moloney, and Weston have not only been there before but have thrived under the grand final spotlight.
McKinnis emphasized the importance of composure:
“Fever will come out firing, and the crowd will be electric. But we’ve been preparing for this moment all season. Finals are about handling pressure, keeping calm when things don’t go your way, and taking your opportunities. That’s where our experience comes in.”
Key Matchups to Watch
Emily Mannix vs Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard
Perhaps the most crucial battle of the grand final. Mannix will need to use every ounce of her defensive craft to deny easy ball to Fowler-Nembhard. If the Vixens can disrupt Fever’s feeding channels and force them to look elsewhere, they’ll boost their chances significantly.
Liz Watson vs Verity Simmons
The duel in the midcourt will be pivotal. Watson’s ability to control tempo and create scoring chances will be tested by Simmons’ tenacity and work rate. Whoever gains the upper hand in this battle may dictate the flow of the game.
Kate Moloney vs Alice Teague-Neeld
Moloney’s leadership and defensive pressure against Teague-Neeld’s playmaking flair will be another subplot to watch. Moloney’s energy often lifts the Vixens in key moments, and her ability to disrupt Fever’s feeds could prove decisive.
The Fans and the Build-Up
Anticipation in both Melbourne and Perth has reached fever pitch. Fever fans, known for their sea of green, are expected to turn the arena into a fortress, but the Vixens’ traveling supporters will bring their voice and passion to ensure their side doesn’t feel alone.
Social media has been buzzing with predictions, analysis, and fan rivalries, with hashtags like #VixensBelieve and #FeverStrong trending throughout the week. The narrative of belief versus dominance has captured the imagination of the netball community, ensuring the grand final will draw significant attention both on television and in the stands.
What Victory Would Mean
For the Vixens, a win would be a validation of resilience, unity, and belief. It would also mark a remarkable achievement for coach McKinnis, reinforcing her legacy as one of Australia’s finest netball leaders.
For Fever, victory would cement their status as the most dominant team of the modern era, adding another championship to their growing legacy. For Fowler-Nembhard, it would be yet another reminder of her transformative impact on the league.
Final Thoughts
Grand finals are rarely predictable, and this year’s edition promises to be no exception. On one side stands a Fever team that has looked unstoppable at times, armed with power, precision, and belief in their system. On the other stands the Melbourne Vixens, a team built on resilience, defensive grit, and the unshakeable conviction that they can defy the odds.
Whether it comes down to one brilliant intercept, a clutch long bomb, or simply which team holds their nerve in the final minutes, fans can expect a thrilling contest that will etch itself into Super Netball history.
As Moloney succinctly put it in the final media briefing before the showdown:
