Vixens book finals spot as McKinnis signs off in style
The Vixens (8-5) climbed into third place at John Cain Arena on Sunday, leapfrogging both Adelaide and Sunshine Coast (both 7-6), who meet in the last round of the regular season.
It means the Vixens will play finals regardless of the result of their last-round away clash with top team West Coast Fever.
Down by five goals at the last change, Queensland rolled the dice late as super shots from Abigail Latu-Meafou and Emily Moore got them back within one.
But the Vixens wound down the clock superbly in the final minute and sealed the result through outstanding shooter Sophie Garbin (42/47) in the dying stages.
"We got the win but it wasn't enjoyable viewing," McKinnis told Fox Sports after her final home game at the helm before she stands down at the end of the season.
"It was tough and I think at times we made it hard for ourselves as well, but I'm happy with the win."
McKinnis led the Vixens to national titles in 2014 and 2020, and can now turn her mind to potentially adding a third before her 14-year tenure ends.
The former Australian Diamonds star admitted she had to tackle plenty of extra emotion around her last home-court appearance as coach.
"In the game not so much because it was just like, 'Come on, get the job done'," McKinnis said.
"I've got family here and when I realised that they were all coming today because it was my last game here, it was a bit emotional.
"So I think I was mindful of just staying pretty calm."
Under pressure to confirm a finals spot, Melbourne dominated the first period and looked as if they would take complete control when they led 18-12 at quarter-time.
But the Firebirds didn't read the script, surging back into the contest late in the second quarter to take a 32-31 lead at halftime.
McKinnis demanded a greater work rate from her team in the second half and eventually got it.
A three-goal deficit midway through the third period was turned into a 49-44 lead at the final change on the back of a 15-6 run.
The last-placed Firebirds threatened to pull off a major upset in the dying stages but could not complete their comeback attempt.
McKinnis welcomed the last-round Fever clash as a chance for the Vixens to make a statement ahead of the finals.
"If you're fair dinkum and you want to be going and winning finals, then you've got to be able to beat the best," she said.
"I think it's a great game for us to be heading over there."
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