Netball: Vixens the likely minor premiers

The Melbourne Vixens are in the box seat to secure the 2009 minor premiership after coming through a difficult away leg in the ANZ Championship relatively unscathed.

The Vixens were the competition pacesetters through the first half of the season and, despite a recent dip in form, are on track to finish first.

Saturday's 61-57 win over the Northern Mystics was the last game of a tough three-week stretch on the road for the Melbourne side, who return home to face the Canterbury Tactix and Central Pulse in the final two rounds.

The Vixens are not expected to be troubled by the two New Zealand sides.

Their final two hit-outs present a strong opportunity for the Vixens to boost their goal percentage, which may be crucial in deciding final positions.

Vixens coach Julie Hoornweg said the draw could advantage her side if they were to face a Kiwi team in the semifinals, but it remains to be seen.

"There could be lots of twists and turns in the last couple of weeks, particularly after the Tactix beat the Firebirds last week. There's still some manoeuvring in the four I would think."

For now the Vixens hold the top spot on the ladder, with Saturday's win over the Mystics launching them into first place. But the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic could go to first tonight if they can overcome the Tactix in Rotorua.

However the Magic would struggle to hold first position. They finish the season on the road against West Coast Fever and Adelaide Thunderbirds in the final two weeks. The Thunderbirds are looking particularly dangerous after a 30-goal demolition of the Pulse on Saturday, their fourth big win in a row.