Super Netball Preliminary Final: Vixens host Fever for grand final berth

Reigning champions Melbourne Vixens are set to clash with the West Coast Fever in a high-stakes preliminary final of the Super Netball league. The winner of this encounter will earn the right to compete against the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the grand final next week.

The Vixens, under new head coach Di Honey, have navigated their first season with her at the helm. While Honey, who spent a decade as assistant coach, has shown success, recent form has seen a dip, prompting questions about her tactical adjustments. The team's starting lineup sees Rudi Ellis return at goal keeper, with Jo Weston moving to goal defence and Kate Eddy at wing defence. Zara Walters has been selected at WA over the more experienced Hannah Mundy.

Conversely, the Fever are fielding an unchanged starting seven from their previous match, a decision that raises eyebrows given Zoe Cransberg's struggles with pressure in the last game. Her twin sister, Jordan Cransberg, had a significant impact when brought on in the second quarter, shifting momentum. The Fever's starting seven includes Romelda Aiken-George at GS and Sasha Glasgow at GA, with Alice Teague-Neeld at WA and Kate Moloney at C for the Vixens.

The match is crucial for both teams, with the Vixens aiming to defend their title and the Fever seeking redemption after losing last year's decider to the Vixens. The tactical decisions made by both coaches, particularly Honey's lineup choices and the Fever's faith in their existing seven, will be closely watched as the game unfolds.