Melbourne Vixens skipper Kate Moloney says they are banking on their big game experience to steer them out of a form slump and into their fourth Super Netball grand final in five years.
The Vixens host West Coast Fever at John Cain Arena in a preliminary final, looking to repeat their 2025 title heroics when they edged their Perth arch-rivals 59-58.
The winner on Saturday night earns a grand-final berth on July 4 at the same venue, facing the Adelaide Thunderbirds, who have only dropped one game all season.
The T-Birds booked their spot via a thumping 58-44 major semi-final win over the Vixens, who have now lost five out of their last six matches.
But captain Moloney believes her team, under new coach Di Honey, has the talent and experience to turn their form around.
"We had it at the start of the year, we've definitely lost it over the last few weeks, but this is a group who's really experienced," said the Diamonds midcourt ace.
"We've got a lot of confidence that we can bring it this weekend and it's not going to be easy, it's do-or-die, but there's not much more motivation than wanting to play in a grand final, so I fully back this squad."
Moloney said Fever presented massive challenges at both ends of the court.
Gunning for her fifth title in her record-setting career, Jamaican great Romelda Aiken-George and England's Sasha Glasgow are a formidable duo in the goal circle while Kadie-Ann Dehaney and Fran Williams are a wall in defence.
Ruth Aryang has also emerged as a major defensive weapon since returning in the back half of the season from an Achilles injury.
"We've played a lot of finals against West Coast Fever and we know what they bring - they're a quality side," said Moloney.
"They've got strengths all over the court - they've got Romelda Aiken-George in that goal circle, she's a tall target and that means that defence needs to be on seven players down the court.
"I think they've got an international defence unit as well who's playing really well, so we're going to have to be really strong in our attack."
Moloney wasn't sure if the Fever would arrive seeking retribution for last year's grand-final result, when they started favourites, but she said Dan Ryan's team would be up for the match.
"I know that there's a grand final on the line and when that's on the line, two teams are going to be going at it," she said.
"I think it's going to be on from the very first whistle and I'm excited about that - these are the games you want to play in."
Australian Associated Press
