Facing arch-rivals NSW with their title defence on the line, retiring Melbourne Vixens skipper Bianca Chatfield says she couldn't think of a better way to farewell her home fans.
Chatfield will lead the Vixens on to Margaret Court Arena for the likely last time on Sunday in the penultimate round of the ANZ Championship.
The defending champions are a mathematical chance of hosting a final but requiring a top three finish in the Australian conference, aren't guaranteed a place in the playoffs.
For a start the Vixens, on 12 points, need to topple the third-placed Swifts, who are two points ahead.
Should they lose, it's season over before their final round match in Auckland.
Chatfield said a high-stakes game was the perfect scenario for her last in front of home fans.
"You play netball because you want to be a part of these massive games and you love the challenge of when your back's against the wall so it's a huge game," the 33-year-old said.
"Swifts have always been our main rivals ... we're two teams who play really similar so we often have those great tussles which come down to the wire."
Their round 10 clash was an exception, with the Vixens suffering their worst loss, going down by 24 points.
"They were awesome and we had a shocking game," Chatfield said.
"We can't afford to let that happen again."
The former Australian Diamonds goal-keeper announced her Vixens retirement in April so she has had time to soak up a season of last moments.
Chatfield said that didn't mean Sunday's match wouldn't be an emotional one after eight seasons with her side.
"All the this year I've tried to take moments to appreciate what I've been able to do in the sport.
"I just hope to go out there and play as well as I can for the crowd."
She wanted her team to focus on what was at risk rather than on her.
"Because everything is on the line I want us to keep our processes and preparation exactly the same."
Share
