Vixens feel they have the antidote to stop hot Fever
The Vixens are determined to send McKinnis, stepping down after 13 years at the helm, out as a winner but face a mighty task in toppling the Fever, who are on a 13-game winning streak.
In the two clashes through the season Melbourne haven't come close, but after fighting their way from fourth to a spot in the decider at a sold-out Rod Laver Arena, believe they can cause a boilover against the runaway minor premiers.
The Vixens fortuitously have a home grand final thanks to Netball Australia selling off the match to the highest bidder, which the Victorian government won last September.
The Vixens suffered a two-goal loss in last year's grand final in Adelaide against the Thunderbirds, with their last title coming win a victory against the Fever in 2020, when the title showdown was played in a Queensland hub due to COVID-19.
McKinnis acknowledged it would be tough but not impossible to stop the Fever, who won their last grand final meeting in 2022, and in particular Jamaican sharp-shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard.
They have been boosted by the return of star wing attack Hannah Mundy, who has been sidelined for more than a month with a foot injury but got the green light this week.
"We have to be at our absolute best, individually and collectively as a team and I think that anything bar that is not going to cut it," said McKinnis, a former Diamonds wing defence.
"We have to have real clarity and intention about what we're doing out there, we have to put them under as much pressure as we can and we have to go for it back ourselves in attack.
"Tough ask, but I believe we can do it."
Fever coach Dan Ryan said his team's preparation had been seamless as they sat back and watched the Vixens claw their way from a 10-goal three-quarter time deficit to oust the NSW Swifts in the preliminary final.
The Perth outfit beat the Vixens in the final round of the season by 11 goals with Fowler-Nembhard slotting a stunning 60 goals with her only blemish missing two long-range super shots.
But Ryan said they were far from a one-player team.
"To win this competition every single player needs to pull their weight and do their role and every role is slightly different and we've got a team of 10 that we have great confidence to turn to at any point in time," he said.
"Jhaniele is obviously a focal point for us, and she's always a focal point in opposition game plans as well, but we really back in every position on the court to bring out the best in each other and support each other on that court.
"It's been a really good two-week build to the game ... there's a great energy amongst the group and confidence and excitement to get out there and hopefully play some great netball."
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