It was supposed to happen 12 months earlier, in the inaugural season of netball’s bold new trans-Tasman league. Back then, in 2008, one needed only to scan the all-star Melbourne Vixens’ playing roster to identify Australia’s most likely superteam. Right? Wrong, as fourth place behind the NSW Swifts attested. Only this year did the results match expectations. Coach Julie Hoornweg’s team lost just one game all season, and won the grand final by defeating the Adelaide Thunderbirds 54-46 before 9500 at Melbourne’s Hisense Arena. Co-captain Sharelle McMahon was outstanding, combining with reliable defender Bianca Chatfield to lead a committed and cohesive team. ‘‘I think the overwhelming feeling is relief that we did achieve what we knew we could,’’ McMahon said. Linda Pearce
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