Melbourne Vixens have been crowned Champions of the Suncorp Super Netball League (SSN) following a 59-58 victory over West Coast Fever in the Grand Final live on NetballPass*.
Fever had what some may call the perfect final route, as they came into this match off the back of a 13-game unbeaten streak, having won the Minor Premiership and the Major Semi-Final to catapult themselves straight into the Grand Final.
Vixens however, had to win in both the Minor Semi-Final and Preliminary Final before they earned their spot in the Grand Final.
Nevertheless, both teams entered the Grand Final fired up and ready to go and the first quarter was intense with Vixens winning it by just one thanks to a Rudi Ellis interception.
The Vixens managed to extend their lead in the second quarter, with Australian Diamonds Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin combining well in the shooting circle and clinical under post.
It was an Austin Super Shot on the buzzer than saw them take the 33-31 lead with two quarters to go.
The third quarter was no different, with Fever once again lifting their intensity and fighting back but Vixens just constantly found a response – particularly through Austin, who was not only sinking her shots but also doing her bit in defence applying the pressure and winning ball to ensure her team stayed ahead.
Austin made eight turnovers in this game, which was more than any other player in the team.
Going into the final quarter Vixens lead 48-43, but the fight for Fever was far from over as they put out their strongest performance yet in the last 15 minutes.
Jamaican Sunshine Girl Kadie-Ann Dehaney made a crucial intercept which Fever were able to convert off, putting them back within one goal of Vixens.
But, Ellis then ended the match just how she started it making another crucial interception allowing her side to go back in front again.
Vixens managed to hold their nerve, play the possession game and seeing out their most important win of the season 59-58, securing them the SSN title.
You can catch up on the Grand Final, and every match from this SSN season, on NetballPass* now.
*Restrictions are in place – viewers in Australia should head to Kayo Sports, Foxtel and for the first time, Binge.