The Melbourne Vixens say they owe it to departing veteran Catherine Cox to send her out a winner in Sunday's trans-Tasman Netball League grand final against the Queensland Firebirds at Hisense Arena.
There is much emotion surrounding the retirement of 37-year-old Cox, who will play her final game on Sunday and will be remembered as a legend of the game for her work as Australia's outstanding goal shooter for the past decade during 108 international appearances.
While Vixens coach Simone McKinnis maintains the season decider is about rewarding the team for a season in which they won the minor premiership, she also says the team wants to send out Cox on a high.
"Cath has been amazing for our group this year," McKinnis said.
"I said to Cath that we wouldn't be where we are today without the contribution she has made throughout the year both on the court and off.
"It hasn't been a big deal within the group, we know it's her last game and we would love nothing more than sending her off in the best possible way."
Both sides boast superstars across every line and the two strongest defences in the competition.
Having won the past two encounters between the teams, the Vixens go into the grand final with confidence, while Firebirds coach Roselee Jencke has been quick to claim underdog status.
Jencke said said her team were wary of the fast-starting Vixens after, just a fortnight ago in the major semi-final, an error-riddled start by the Firebirds cost them the game.
"We didn't get off to a great start last time, it was seven goals that we gave up and we definitely don't want to do that," Jencke said.
"We had a really disappointing game against the Vixens a fortnight ago and we are really looking to improve on that performance.
"We weren't happy and we are looking to put out a much better and more consistent performance over four quarters."
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