Melbourne Vixens shooter Tegan Philip has her eye on the inaugural Super Netball title after making a brilliant return from a knee reconstruction with a MVP performance in an upset win over Collingwood Magpies.
Out of the game for a year following an ACL injury, star shooter Philip grabbed a swag of 29 goals against the highly-rated new Magpies side littered with five current Diamonds players.
"I just wanted to get this one done, out of the way," admitted Philip.
"I was definitely nervous. A lot more during the day but once that first whistle blew I just felt comfortable and just knew I was back where I wanted to be.
"I wanted to nail the first shot which I was able to do and I am very happy with how it all panned out."
The Vixens headed into their round one encounter as underdogs but on the back of Saturday's 58-55 win they won't be underestimated by their competition.
"Obviously our aim is to win this championship this year and no one is doubting and no one's thinking we're not (going to win)," Philip said.
"So we're just going to go along this season, work on what we need to, keeping working out our strengths and get an greater understanding knowledge of each other.
"Hopefully doing those things will reap the benefit of the championship at the end of the season."
Vixens coach Simone McKinnis liked what she saw at goal, with her star shooter back on deck and forging a new combination with exciting Malawi import Mwai Kumwenda.
"I love that there's a bit of dare and flair and taking risks. Bottom line is both of them shot sensationally, I think MJ (Kumwenda) was 97 per cent," Mckinnis said.
"I was so pleased for (Tegan) because she's had a really good preseason and she's has been playing really well.
"I knew once she got her first shot in and she had a smile that she would be right and she was sensational."
The Vixens travel away to play the Sunshine Coast Lightening in Round 2 on Sunday.
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