Vixens overhaul defence as former Diamond leaves club

Defender Emily Mannix will leave the Melbourne Vixens after a sparkling 12-year tenure in one of the biggest bombshell announcements over the Super Netball off-season.

With the competition's transfer period well underway, Mannix became the third player to depart the Vixens after making her top-flight debut for the club in 2015.

The 32-year-old has since played 135 national league games, rising to become vice-captain and playing a key role in the Vixens' 2020 premiership.

Mannix returned from maternity leave last campaign and registered 14 intercepts, 19 deflections and 12 rebounds across 15 games to help the Vixens reach the grand final.

"I hope my story shows young kids, especially from country communities, to dream big and that if you work hard and give it a crack, you never know where the game can take you," Mannix, who hails from Geelong, said in a statement.

"It has been an incredible 12 years at the Melbourne Vixens and to be part of such a special club has meant so much to me.

"The Vixens have been such a big part of my life, and I will always be thankful for the memories, friendships and opportunities this club has given me.

"Being able to return to the court and play in front of my greatest achievement, my daughter Mabel, has been incredibly special."

Mannix's news follows the departure of fellow Vixen Rudi Ellis, who will join the NSW Swifts next season, having begun her elite netball journey as a training partner for the Sydney-based club in 2017.

The defender has since played for the Queensland Firebirds and West Coast Fever, and helped the Vixens secure the 2025 premiership.

"It feels pretty surreal to be coming back to Sydney and signing with the Swifts," Ellis said on Saturday.

"I've lived in a few different places and had some incredible experiences along the way, and every club has played a huge part in shaping me as a player and a person.

"I feel like I've got a lot more to give to the game, and I'm excited to bring everything I've learnt over the past few years back to Sydney."

Despite the departures, the Vixens will keep attacker Kiera Austin for 2027 after she recently starred for the Diamonds at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.