Super Netball Spotlight: Simone Mckinnis

Ellie Wilmore

Simone Mckinnis is a big name in Super Netball, especially for the Vixens, having been head coach for many years on end. She retired at the end of this season, ending with a bang as the Vixens prevailed as underdogs in the Grand Final. Her retirement was announced mid-season, and drove the Vixens to victory, knowing that their coach was leaving them at the end. By making it to the Grand Final, they prolonged her stay, even if it was just by a few games. The announcement came right after her 201st match as a national league head coach. She has garnered a reputation as a compassionate coach, players commenting how she gave them tough love, and how she was always there for them. 

But before she was a coach, she herself played netball for Australia as a Diamond, both internationally and nationally, until 1998. She won a few gold medals while playing for Australia, in tournaments like the 1995 World Netball Championships and the 1998 Commonwealth Games. It was after this that she started coaching a variety of teams, before settling with the Melbourne Vixens in 2012, with a stint of 13 years finally ending this season. Her legacy in netball has not been forgotten, even as a coach.

McKinnis has had a lasting impact on the Melbourne Vixens, leading them to many grand finals, and winning three, namely in 2014, 2020, and, of course, 2025. She has led them through three of their four premierships, and to many a victory over the past 13 years. She doesn’t just have a name for herself for the Melbourne Vixens, though: she also is highly regarded for her efforts by the Victorian Institute of Sport. 

In her send off last week, many kind words were spoken to McKinnis from her team, Moloney being the one to give the speech. She mentioned how she was appreciated for her unending belief in the Vixens over the past 13 years, and how she cared for every single player, old or new, welcoming them to the team, and as Moloney stated: “nurtured every athlete that walked through those doors.” 

Simone Mckinnis has truly left her mark on the netball court- both as a player, and a coach. She’s made quite the name for herself over the years, a name that will be cherished highly by the Melbourne Vixens, their appreciation for her shown through their consistent fight for the victory this season. And of course, ending with what many have described as a “fairytale finish”, winning the grand final this year, to send off an incredible coach properly.