Super Netball 2024: West Coast Fever bracing for the best out of Melbourne Vixens despite red-hot form

West Coast Fever beat the Melbourne Vixens on their home court less than a month ago, but coach Dan Ryan expects a “completely different game” in the preliminary final at John Cain Arena on Saturday. Fever and Vixens will renew hostilities when they meet in the do-or-die final, with the winner to tackle reigning premiers Adelaide Thunderbirds in this year’s decider. It is set to add another incredible chapter to the rivalry between Fever and Vixens who have faced off in two of the past four grand finals with one win apiece. Fever head into the must-win contest with all the momentum, having won their past four games including a thrilling one-goal win over the Vixens at John Cain Arena in round 13. Despite this, Ryan said they would not take the Vixens lightly. “I think we can expect a completely different game,” he said. “We know what it’s like to play in front of a packed-out John Cain Arena with all Vixens fans and that will just be heightened with the occasion of a preliminary final. “We’re happy to play wherever we need to play, it’s another game of netball for us and we know we’re confident and in form and looking forward to just having a great crack at the weekend.” Fever have an incredible record in finals despite having only won the singular premiership in 2022. West Coast have won eight of their 12 Super Netball finals since 2018 including the past three against the Vixens by an average of nine goals. They will also have the experience, with shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and captain Jess Anstiss having been part of each final. Fever watched on as the Thunderbirds smacked the Vixens by 15 goals in the major semifinal and Ryan said they needed to anticipate a fired-up Melbourne side as a result. “It’s going to be a different game for the Vixens against us in comparison to the Thunderbirds in some respects but also some similarities in there as well,” he said. “What we need to anticipate and are preparing for is Vixens at their very best, irrespective of past performances, past games, recent form, recent results – that stuff doesn’t really matter when it comes to a preliminary final. “It’s a do-or-die for both teams, it’s bring your best or get booted out of the competition. We expect the Vixens to be absolutely firing and we expect the same of ourselves as well.”