The Melbourne Vixens have put a big dent in the Super Netball finals hopes of crosstown rivals Collingwood Magpies, coming from behind for a 65-57 win.
The Vixens extended their perfect winning record against their high-profile opponents to 4-0, rallying from as many as seven goals down in the first half at Hisense Arena on Sunday.
While the Vixens (5-3) kept themselves well in the finals hunt, the Magpies are struggling, in second-last place with a 2-6 win-loss record with six rounds remaining.
The Mapgies rang some changes for the match, benching World Cup star Sharni Layton and moving Matilda Garrett into goal defence with April Bradley switched to goal keeper.
Collingwood's defensive pressure troubled the Vixens early with Brandley influential and Ash Brazill checking Vixens midcourter Liz Watson.
But the Vixens broke free after halftime with a dominant 19-12 third quarter and their defence held the Magpies in check despite losing defender Emily Mannix to a finger injury.
"We were really struggling in that first half and the momentum was with them," Vixens coach Simone McKinnis said.
"I'm just really happy to see our girls be able to dig deep, adjust, change and push on in the second half."
Magpies coach Kristy Keppich-Birrell was disappointed with her side's inconsistency as they faded after an exciting first half.
"We knew they were going to come out fighting after that halftime break," Keppich-Birrell said.
"Again, we just drifted from what we needed to be doing."
Vixens shooter Mwai Kumwenda finished with 42 goals from 43 attempts while goal attack Tegan Philip added 23 goals.
Caitlin Thwaites (49-for-51 shooting) was a dominant figure in the circle for the Magpies while Erin Bell struggled with her shooting touch, adding eight goals at 50 per cent accuracy.
The Vixens will be seeking a third consecutive win when they travel to face the NSW Swifts on Saturday while the Magpies return to Margaret Court Arena for a crucial clash against the league-leading West Coast Fever on Saturday night.
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