Netball: Vixens win ANZ Championship

Adelaide's Natalie von Bertouch goes on the attack against Melbourne during the ANZ Championship final. Photo / Getty Images

Melbourne Vixens overpowered Adelaide Thunderbirds to win the trans-Tasman netball championship by eight goals at Melbourne's Hisense Arena on Sunday.

With shooters Caitlin Thwaites and Sharelle McMahon outstanding, the Vixens dominated all over the court to post a 54-46 victory and win their first ANZ Championship.

The Vixens built their win on the back of a powerful display in the second quarter - outscoring the Thunderbirds 14-6 - to take an eight-goal lead to halftime.

As the heat was turned up, predictably McMahon was the fire-starter.

Her mid-court clash with Adelaide defender Mo'onia Gerrard early in the second quarter sparked both her and the Vixens into life after she took exception to a heavy foul from the Thunderbirds player.

McMahon shot seven of nine for the term and Thwaites seven from eight.

Adelaide were also on the end of a heavy foul count as the referees took exception to their close-checking style.

The Vixens kept their lead between seven and 13 goals for the rest of the match, and had contributors all over the court, with Renae Hallinan's drive off wing defence and Bianca Chatfield's defensive work particularly influential.

- AAP