The Firebirds are coming off a disappointing 24-goal defeat at the hands of the Adelaide Thunderbirds in South Australia last weekend and will be determined to respond with a much-improved showing to stay in the hunt for a top-four place.
The Vixens, meanwhile, overcame a scare against GIANTS Netball to preserve their perfect start to the season, with the defending premiers sitting top of the ladder after eight wins from eight matches.
LAST TIME WE MET
The last meeting between the sides came in the opening round of the season, when the Firebirds produced an encouraging display before falling 60-49 to the Vixens at Nissan Arena.
Queensland pushed the reigning premiers hard early and trailed by just one goal at quarter time, but Melbourne’s consistency across all four quarters proved decisive. Mary Cholhok top-scored for the Firebirds with 35 points, while Maddy Gordon and Kelly Jackson both impressed on debut in purple.
TEAM NEWS
For the second week running the Firebirds have named an unchanged squad, with Jessie Laga'aia retaining her place on the bench as the training partner remains in the 10 as a replacement for injured Macy Gardner, who continues to recover from a calf complaint.
The Vixens are also unchanged, with coach Di Honey sticking with the same line-up that has kept the premiers’ 100 per cent record intact through the first eight rounds.
KEY MATCHUP - KATE MOLONEY v MADDY GORDON
A midcourt battle forged in trans-Tasman international clashes looms as one of the key contests of the afternoon, with Gordon continuing her return from a serious hamstring injury against Vixens captain Moloney.
Now in her third game back, Gordon will be eager to show her improving match fitness and stamp herself on the contest against one of the competition’s most experienced and composed leaders. Moloney will celebrate her 200th National League appearance on Sunday, but Gordon and the Firebirds will be desperate to spoil the party in Melbourne.
KEY STAT
The Firebirds will have to defy history to claim the points in Melbourne, having faced the Vixens in the city seven times and winning just one of those matches.
LAST WORD
“We absolutely have grown since Round One and the Vixens are going to be a great test of that and we look forward to getting out there and playing them.” - Firebirds Head Coach KIRI WILLS is confident her team is more prepared to face the Vixens than they were back in their season opener in March.
HOW TO WATCH
For fans residing in Australia, you can watch live on Foxtel, Kayo and BINGE.
