Attacker Kiera Austin believes the Melbourne Vixens can defy the doubters in their grand-final qualifier against the red-hot Adelaide Thunderbirds as they aim to overcome their late-season Super Netball slump.
Last year's premiers looked primed to earn a home major semi-final after sitting atop the ladder midway through the season, but their campaign dramatically derailed and the side lost four of their last five games, relinquishing top spot to Adelaide.
Although they had enough wins to secure a major semi-final berth, instead of hosting the grand-final qualifier in front of their home fans they must travel to South Australia to face the Thunderbirds - who are on an eight-game winning streak - on Sunday afternoon.
On May 31 Adelaide thumped the Vixens 61-42, before defeat against the third-placed West Coast Fever last Sunday compounded their misery.
