There’s something about Victoria’s obsession with sports that’s made Melbourne Vixens’ goal attack Kiera Austin a better netballer.
Since making the move from Sydney to Melbourne last season, the former Giants player said she noticed a higher standard set by Victorian teams compared to others – a standard that’s forced her to be more of a “mongrel” on the court.
Vixens goal attack Kiera Austin is thriving on the sporting atmosphere in Melbourne.Credit:Getty Images
“It’s very a high-performance environment. I think you’d get that with any Victorian team you play with,” she said.
“You need that real fierceness to take onto the court, that mongrel to chase down a loose ball.”
The rivalry between the Vixens and Collingwood will be on full show in Sunday’s Super Netball Melbourne derby at John Cain Arena in front of what Netball Australia boss Kelly Ryan is hoping will be a sell-out crowd of 10,000.
“This is rivalry at its best; two cross-town teams who have plenty to prove,” Ryan said.
The last time the two teams met, in round seven last season, the Vixens won by two points, but the slim margin meant Collingwood held their top-four spot and qualified for semi-finals.
“We did win, but we kinda felt like we lost. Collingwood had to lose by more than four points to make the finals, so they were really ecstatic and were kind of just like, ‘Oh’,” Austin recalled.
“They’re … a team that won’t give up until that final whistle.”
But there’s more than a rivalry to play for in this round-two match, as both teams carry grander ambitions into the season.
Kiera Austin in the Vixens’ round one Super Netball loss to West Coast.Credit:Getty Images
Now in their seventh season, the Pies are determined to prove themselves as a legitimate premiership contender, while the Vixens have had a rollercoaster ride recently, winning the title in 2020, finishing last in 2021, then claiming the minor premiership in 2022 only to lose the grand final.
The Vixens last week couldn’t exact revenge on the West Coast Fever for the 2022 grand final result, losing the round-one match by just one goal.
“We’re really confident and got a bit of belief in ourselves to get over the line. [We’re] looking forward to it [the match against Collingwood]. It’s going to be really hotly contested,” Austin said.
Austin’s theory is that the passion Melburnians show for sport rubs off on Victoria’s elite teams, making the state an ideal place to ply her trade.
“The Melbourne crowd they love this sport down here. So, it’s gonna be great to play in front of a home crowd. Hopefully, we will outnumber the Collingwood supporters, even though it is their home game,” Austin said.
Melbourne Vixens take on Collingwood Magpies at John Cain Arena on Sunday, March 26.
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