Giants prove old habits die hard as Vixens dominate with one-point game
The Vixens have proven once and for all a one-point game will always out-perform super shot skill, emphatically dismantling the Giants 73-53.
Earlier this week, star Jamie-Lee Price revealed ahead of her milestone 100th game her side had unanimous agreed to focus on a one-point game over the lure of the riskier two-point shot.
But the pressure ladder-leading Melbourne seemed too much for coach Julie Fitzgerald, who once again opted for two-point shooting duo Kiera Austin and Jo Harten in place of Australian captain Caitlin Bassett.
Falling into their old super shot ways did nothing for the Giants, who were outdone despite sinking nine two-point shots from 18 attempts.
Since round one, the Vixens have been confident in their abilities under the post and for the most part steered clear of the controversial super shot.
The decision was once again fruitful as they solidified their position at the summit with another four points.
In the Giants' previous game, Fitzgerald appeared to have a change of heart, having started Bassett on the sidelines for their round six and seven games but then including her in the starting side for the round-eight win over Magpies.
But in round nine, Bassett was once again found working the exercise bike, despite many believing she had proved her value after stellar back-to-back performances.
Immediately, netball fans took to social media to express their anger at the decision, with many fearing the repeated decision will have massive implications for the success of the Diamonds.
The super shot managed to save the Giants amid an underwhelming first quarter, with the Vixens taking the score 19-15 after the first 15 minutes.
It seemed as if Jo Harten was taking it upon herself to individually make up for the Giants' otherwise lacklustre performance, with a number of stellar super shots bringing the half-time score to 39-34.
Vixens coach Simone McKinnis said what all Vixens fans were feeling during a half-time interview, stating that she was "hating two-point shots at the moment".
"It was brilliant shooting and you always knew she [Harten] was capable of that," McKinnis said at half-time.
The round-nine game seemed to prove Fitzgerald is simply confused in what type of game she is eager to put on the court. She threw Bassett on at half-time in place of Harten, despite the skipper sinking an insane seven out of eight super shot attempts in the first half.
Since round one, the Vixens have been confident in their abilities under the post and have been a team who have for the most part steered clear of the controversial two-point shot. Credit:Getty
Fitzgerald then swapped the pair out again for the super shot in the last five minutes, but the decision proved costly with Harten losing her rhythm and unable to score a single two-pointer in the third quarter.
With the Giants having now fallen behind 54-42, the Vixens walked on for the final quarter ready to claim the win. Towards the end, things began to get scrappy as both teams received comments for the referees to keep the game clean.
But the Vixens were eager to give those back home in lockdown something to smile about, taking away the win 73-53.