Premiership captain Kate Moloney has delivered an all-time winners speech, hitting back at the critics who doubted the Melbourne Vixens.
Sitting at 2-4 and given just a 16 per cent chance of making finals at that point, the Vixens were criticised for only having a “Plan A”, as they continued to rely on their starting seven.
In her last words on the premiership podium, Moloney poked fun at that criticism, and used mastercoach Simone McKinnis’ now famous “pub” quip to farewell the crowd.
“One more thing – how good is Plan A? We’re going to the pub,” she shouted to massive applause from the record 15,013 strong Rod Laver Arena crowd.
The Vixens sealed their second Super Netball premiership with their 59-58 thriller over the West Coast Fever on Saturday night.
The result ensures McKinnis was farewelled a winner in her final match in charge at the Vixens.
Speaking after the stunning win, and subsequent hugs with the kids who presented the winner medals, Moloney stunned with her speech.
“I am so proud of you guys,” she said.
“We were 2-4 at round 6. No one really thought we could do it, but you guys didn’t stop.
“In fact, you worked harder, we kept on connecting, we kept showing up and we never stopped believing.
“And it’s why we’re here.”
Turning to McKinnis, Moloney then paid tribute to the woman who had been in charge for the past 13 years.
“You’ve taken us to five grand finals. You’ve now won your third premiership,” she said.
“You are an incredible leader – this club will not be the same without you.
“When you walked into the doors 13 years ago, you taught us how hard to work. You showed us some tough love. But most importantly you cared for us, you believed in us and you nurtured every single athlete that walked through those doors.
“You made them better – we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.
“We will miss you – this one is definitely for you.”
The win capped off a fairytale rise for the Vixens who essentially played do-or-die matches for the final seven matches of the season before causing upset wins first in the minor semi final and then again coming from 11 goals down in the final term against the NSW Swifts in the preliminary final.
The Vixens become just the second side to win the Super Netball premiership from fourth spot.
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