Facing the dominant minor premiers Fever, who entered the match on a thirteen game winning streak, the Vixens were considered underdogs.
Yet, in front of a record crowd of 15,013 at Rod Laver Arena they applied suffocating pressure on Fever, keeping their noses in front at the end of each quarter.
Playmaker Kiera Austin, awarded Player of the Match, delivered clutch super shots in key moments to keep the Vixens momentum purring, while defenders Jo Weston and Rudi Ellis shut down Fever’s scoring threats in the latter stages.
Although it was a perfect season end for the Vixens, the team endured a rocky start and plenty of doubt from the naysayers in early rounds of the competition.
Midway through the season McKinnis announced she would step down at the end of 2025 - her thirteenth and final year as Head Coach.
It was announced during the same post-game interview when a now-viral light-hearted moment came by McKinnis joking “maybe we just need to go to the pub”, suggesting a team-bonding outing that has since become symbolic to their victory.
After her announcement and viral moment rallying support from around the country, emotions shifted in the players, and it was evident the league was seeing a hungry and determined Vixens side.
Melbourne Vixens came back from an eleven goal deficit to win the preliminary final by one goal against the NSW Swifts (credit: Light Knife).
“That was the turning point for us,” said McKinnis.
From that moment, the Vixens won eight of their final ten matches, finished fourth on the ladder and delivered three thrilling finals knockouts to take home their third Suncorp Super Netball trophy.
“You play for your team but (we’ve) just played for Simone these past couple of rounds,” said Austin.
“We can see the emotion in her when she’s delivering speeches to us… I just couldn’t sing her enough praises.”
The victory has rippled through the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS), who supports the Vixens with physical therapies, performance analysis, nutrition, physical preparation and performance lifestyle support.
“We all know and recognise how hard everyone has been working this year for this moment in time; to win the premiership. Deserved is the best descriptor,” said VIS CEO, Nicole Livingstone AO.
“It was a thriller, and the scenes of celebration on the final siren were a joy to watch. Congratulations to every VIS staff member involved in this incredible netball year. What a way to send off Simone.”
McKinnis leaves the Melbourne Vixens with a legacy of excellence, resilience and loyalty, having guided the team to five grand final appearances - winning three in 2014, 2020 and 2025.
She’s been a longstanding presence at the VIS and has shown leadership across all levels of the Victorian netball pathway.
Simone McKinnis giving tips to the next generation at the inaugural VIS Open Day in 2019.
With her mind constantly on the team, McKinnis would frequently voice to the VIS, “You’re always thinking about the individual players, what their needs and wants are from you as a coach and how you can best prepare them for what’s coming up.”
Preparation is key and boy did it shine through in the final weeks.
This premiership was more than a win, it was a tribute, with the players and support staff united by a mission to honour their coach in her final season.
It’s rare in sport for a career conclusion to be so poetic and yet so well-earned.
Congratulations to the Melbourne Vixens and all involved on a hard-fought and well deserved end to the 2025 season.
Simone, your leadership and expertise will be missed but will undoubtedly carry forward through the players and colleagues you’ve inspired during your career with the club. What a legacy to leave behind.
By Kate Paul-Drevensek
Victorian Institute of Sport
