Liz Watson is confident her side can send out retiring stars Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip with a happy ending as they play Sunshine Coast Lightning for a place in the grand final on Saturday.
This challenge has taken on a new meaning with the announcement that two stars will hang up their bibs at the end of this year.
The Melbourne Vixens got the jump over their finals rivals the Sunshine Coast Lightning on Sunday,winning a dress rehearsal for the major semi-final 58-54.
The Queensland Firebirds have caused an upset over minor premier Melbourne Vixens in the penultimate round but the result won't have any bearing on the top four.
Simone McKinnis'Vixens side are now 12 points clear of second-placed West Coast Fever with two games to play,after the Fever beat the NSW Swifts earlier in the day to leapfrog them into second.
The Melbourne Vixens have solidified their place on the top of the Super Netball ladder,beating the second-placed Swifts 55-62.
The Vixens looked dead and buried in the third term,trailing by nearly 10 points and being completely outplayed by the upstart Fever side.
Some athletes get a tap on the shoulder when it's time to retire. Netballer Madi Browne received a note from her right knee.
The defending champions never threw in the towel but Melbourne had the final say in what could have been a Super Netball grand final preview.
Emily Mannix had one of the best games of her career as her Vixens remained at the top of the Super Netball ladder by riding a hot last term.
Melbourne stared down a resurgent Giants side playing to stay in touch with the top four,and pulled ahead of their opponents in an entertaining second half display.