The 2025 Premiers, the Melbourne Vixens, completed a clean sweep of the 2026 Sargeant-McKinnis Cup, defeating the New South Wales Swifts in both regular-season meetings. After claiming a 66-59 win in Sydney in Round 5, the Vixens backed it up with a dominant 67-57 victory at John Cain Arena in Round 11 to seal the trophy by a combined 17 goals.
The rivalry once again delivered high-intensity netball, momentum swings and standout individual performances, but across both contests, it was the Vixens’ composure in key moments that separated the two sides.
Round 5 Recap- Vixens hold strong in Sydney
The first meeting between the two rivals came at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney in round 5, where the undefeated Vixens continued their perfect start to the season with a hard-fought 66-59 victory.
Despite the Swifts entering the match desperate to respond after a difficult opening month, the Vixens showed their class in the biggest moments, particularly during a dominant final quarter that ultimately decided the contest.
Embed from Getty ImagesMelbourne started strongly, racing out to an early lead through the shooting combination of Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin, where both shooters were clinical in the opening quarter, while Austin’s super shots helped the Vixens take an 18-16 lead into the first break.
The Swifts responded in the second quarter through Grace Nweke, whose strong holding game and finishing under the post helped NSW edge ahead by two goals at halftime. The home side even pushed the margin to six early in the third term before the Vixens fought back to level the scores heading into the final quarter.
The Vixens produced one of their strongest quarters of the season, scoring 14 of the 17 goals during a decisive run that blew the margin out to 11 goals late in the match before the Swifts reduced the final deficit through late super shots.
Embed from Getty ImagesCaptain Kate Moloney was named MVP after a tireless display through midcourt, finishing with 22 feeds, 1 intercept and 1 deflection. Sophie Garbin was dominant in the shooting circle with 47 goals and 102 net points, while Kiera Austin added 5 crucial super shots and 25 feeds in another influential performance.
Round 11 Recap- Vixens finish the job at home
Six rounds later, the two clubs met again at John Cain Arena with the Sargeant-McKinnis Cup officially on the line. The Vixens entered the match looking to bounce back from their previous week’s loss to the Sunshine Coast Lightning, and they responded with one of their most complete performances of the season, defeating the Swifts 67-57.
The Vixens controlled the contest from the opening quarter, building an early advantage through slick attacking movement and relentless defensive pressure. Sophie Garbin was once again outstanding under the post, shooting at over 92 per cent accuracy and finishing with a season-high 48 goals.
Embed from Getty ImagesKate Moloney dictated the game through the midcourt with 29 feeds and 21 goal assists, while Zara Walters impressed with her versatility after shifting between wing attack and centre throughout the match.
Defensively, the Vixens were outstanding. Jo Weston and Rudi Ellis consistently disrupted the Swifts’ attacking flow, combining for multiple gains and intercepts while limiting NSW’s ability to cleanly feed Grace Nweke.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlthough the Swifts attempted to fight back through Grace Whyte’s super shot accuracy during the Power Five period (netting 7 out of 9), Melbourne maintained control throughout the final quarter to secure a 10-goal win and officially reclaim the Sargeant-McKinnis Cup.
Jo Weston was named Player of the Match following another commanding defensive display.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat’s Next?
NSW Swifts- Queensland Firebirds (Sunday May 31st at 5:00 am BST)
Melbourne Vixens- Adelaide Thunderbirds (Sunday May 31st at 7:00 am BST)
Leave a Reply