Vixens Edge Fever in One-Goal Thriller to Claim 2025 Super Netball Crown
What a heart-stopping finish to the 2025 Super Netball season! The Melbourne Vixens have pulled off one of the greatest underdog victories in league history, taking down the top-ranked West Coast Fever by just one goal—59 to 58—in an unforgettable grand final showdown at a packed Rod Laver Arena.
Now, let’s set the stage. Coming into this match, the Fever were red-hot—on a 13-game unbeaten run and widely expected to take the title. Meanwhile, the Vixens, who had started their season on shaky ground with only two wins in their first six games, had clawed their way up from fourth on the ladder. Few gave them a real shot at the trophy. But this team has a history of grit, and under departing coach Simone McKinnis, they weren't going down without a fight.
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From the opening whistle, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park for the Fever. Despite their flawless shooting in the first half, they found themselves trailing at the major break—largely because the Vixens refused to back down. Jo Weston brought relentless energy in defense, while Kiera Austin delivered clutch performance after clutch performance in attack, eventually being named the official MVP of the match. She nailed 20 of her 21 regular shots and 3 of 6 super shots. Every one of those long-range goals was crucial.
By three-quarter time, the Vixens had pushed out to a five-goal lead. The Fever responded fiercely in the final term, with Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard sinking their only super shot of the game to close the margin to just one with under a minute to play. But the Vixens held their composure, managed possession cleverly, and ran the clock down to seal the deal.
For coach Simone McKinnis, who had already announced she'd be stepping down after 13 years at the helm, this was the fairytale finish she deserved. She leaves with her third title, having also coached the team to championships in 2014 and 2020. After the match, players were emotional, with captain Kate Moloney presenting McKinnis with flowers and crediting her for building not just a great team, but a great culture.
This grand final wasn’t just about skill—it was about belief. The Vixens proved that sometimes, the stats don’t tell the whole story. Even the full-time numbers made it look like the Fever should’ve won. But Melbourne converted when it counted most and showed exactly why finals are a different beast.
In the end, it was a game for the ages—a story of redemption, resilience, and one unforgettable final moment.
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