Retiring Cox wants focus on Vixens

Australian goaler Catherine Cox will retire after the ANZ Championships grand final but says it's all about the team rather than her.

With her proven ability to nail a match-winning goal, timing has always been a strength of Melbourne Vixens goaler Catherine Cox.

It's no surprise then that the ANZ Championship grand final between the Vixens and the Queensland Firebirds will be her last game before retirement.

After 108 international caps, two world crowns and playing for three trans-Tasman clubs include winning a title with the NSW Swifts, there's a lot to celebrate.

But the 37-year-old isn't planning any parties, with her sole focus on helping the Vixens to their first title since 2009.

Cox said she purposely announced her retirement back in April so it wouldn't interfere with the Vixens' assault on the finals.

"I knew we would make finals so I didn't want this to be a big deal now," Cox said.

"It was a big deal back then but we've all moved on so we haven't spoken about it since which is exactly what I wanted so I'm just focusing on the game."

Vixens skipper Bianca Chatfield wasn't surprised by Cox's stance.

"That's the kind of person Cath is; since I played with her in the Aussie team she's a very selfless player and it's all about the team first," Chatfield said.

Cox may not make it on to the court due to the impressive goal-circle partnership between Karyn Bailey and Tegan Caldwell.

She said she wasn't bothered if that was the case.

"The fact that I'm not at all fazed by it is good because it means I'm ready (to retire).

"It's about everyone in the team; the girls on the bench, the coaching staff, the fans."

Her big game experience, including some thrilling last-ditch wins over New Zealand as part of the Australian line-up, will still be invaluable to the Vixens.

"Before the last final it went a little bit quiet in the change room and I said, 'let's not change who we are because it's the finals'," Cox said.

"Just because it's a big occasion you shouldn't do things differently."


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