In a thrilling conclusion to her coaching career, Simone McKinnis led the Melbourne Vixens to a hard-fought 59-58 victory against the West Coast Fever in the Super Netball grand final on Saturday night. McKinnis, who announced her departure from the role in May amidst a challenging season that saw the team win only two out of six games, exited on a high note, securing the premiership for 2025.
The grand final, held at Rod Laver Arena, was a nail-biting encounter with both teams delivering an intense performance. The Vixens managed to maintain a narrow lead throughout the match, ending the first quarter just one goal ahead. This margin increased to two by half-time, and they entered the final break with a 48-43 advantage. Despite the Fever’s efforts to claw back, the Vixens held their nerve, with Fever captain Jess Anstiss expressing her disappointment over the defeat, calling it “pure devastation.”
Celebrating the triumph, Vixens star Jo Weston reflected on the moment, describing it as an incredible fairytale ending, highlighting the rarity of such a scenario in sports. The West Coast Fever had entered the final as favourites after a record-breaking semi-final win over the Sydney Swifts, making the Vixens’ victory even more remarkable.
McKinnis’s successful leadership and the team’s performance exemplified resilience and determination, capping off her legacy with a grand finale that will be remembered by fans and players alike.