Netball’s claim as the best-supported elite women’s sport in Australia has been challenged in recent years with the arrival of the AFLW, but Super Netball again showed its ability to draw strong crowds at 2019’s opening double-header.

The season’s first two games on Saturday also saw the winning teams make the most of their dominant quarters, picking up bonus points which could be crucial as the season progresses.

Thanks @melbournevixens for a wonderful day. Amazing game and I’m not convinced netball is a “non contact” sport though! #fast #fun @ Melbourne Arena https://t.co/y7EeENshnL

— David Hussey (@DavidHussey29) April 27, 2019

In the first match the Vixens had a 73-61 win over the Firebirds, while Collingwood continued its strong pre-season form to defeat Sunshine Coast Lightning 77-43.

The two Melbourne teams are favourites for the championship, with both banking three bonus premiership points for a total of seven.

Collingwood overcame a tight start to the match to break out towards quarter time (15-10) and was only outscored by one goal in the second quarter.

Magpie recruit from the Thunderbirds Shimona Nelson showcased her trademark reach shooting 46/54 (85%), while Cara Koenen was best for Lightning with 18/21 (86%).

In the earlier game, the Vixens Cait Thwaites looked right at home after rejoining the Vixens from Collingwood, the 32-year-old finishing with 50 goals from 51 attempts to spearhead Melbourne’s attack.

Caitlin Thwaites of the Vixens and Tara Hinchliffe of the Firebirds compete for the ball during the season opener. Photo: AAP 

The visitors opened with eight of the first nine goals to build a handy advantage but the Vixens clawed their way back to draw level at halftime and took charge of the match with a 20-13 third quarter.

“I think we built and grew across the game – it did take us a little time,” Vixens coach Simone McKinnis said.

“The Firebirds had some really good defensive pressure as well – we were under pressure and I think we were a little slow to adapt but we did eventually.”

Midcourter Liz Watson was forced to work hard in her match-up with Queensland captain Gabi Simpson but still managed to compile 37 goal assists from 46 feeds, while goal attack Tegan Philip provided solid support for Thwaites with 23 goals and six assists.

After an even start to the second term, the Vixens made their move with a run of five unanswered goals before grabbing their first lead of the game with less than four minutes left in the half.

The Firebirds steadied with the scores level at 35-35 by the main break but, with Hinchliffe opening the second half on the bench, Thwaites took advantage as the Vixens burst away with a 10-3 start to establish a match-winning lead.

On Sunday, Giants play NSW Swifts in Sydney while Adelaide Thunderbirds host West Coast Fever.

-with AAP