In the aftermath of Melbourne Vixens’ stunning Super Netball Grand Final victory, captain Kiera Austin delivered a heartfelt message that captured the spirit behind their triumph.

“You play for your team but (we’ve) just played for Simone these past couple of rounds… I just couldn’t sing her enough praises.”

The words were directed at outgoing head coach Simone McKinnis, who bowed out of her tenure with the perfect ending—a one-goal thriller to claim the 2025 premiership.

McKinnis, a respected figure in Australian netball for over a decade, announced mid-season that this would be her final campaign, a revelation that Austin says fueled the team’s determination to send her off in style

The Vixens, known for their grit and composure, rallied through intense challenges during the season, but in the Finals series their play carried a special edge. Austin’s tribute underlined how deeply McKinnis’ leadership has impacted the squad.

With the victory, Melbourne not only secured their latest crown but also celebrated the enduring legacy of a coach whose influence has stretched well beyond the scoreboard.