AS FAR as return appearances go, Caitlin Thwaites' first official game back in Melbourne Vixens' colours was near perfect.
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The Vixens made a flying start to their Super Netball season with a 73-61 win over Queensland Firebirds on Saturday, with the Bendigo-born and bred goal shooter one of the stars of the show.
Thwaites looked right at home after rejoining the Vixens from cross-town rivals Collingwood Magpies, the 32-year-old goaler finishing with an astonishing 50 goals from 51 attempts to spearhead Melbourne's attack.
Despite securing the win and an added three bonus points, it was not all one-way traffic.
The Firebirds, whose line-up included former Echuca junior Caitlyn Nevins, started the more impressively of the two teams, scoring eight of the first nine goals.
Melbourne was able to claw back to have the game on level terms at half time, before busting the contest open with a 20-13 third quarter, with Thwaites in full flight.
Vixens coach Simone McKinnis was impressed with her side's ability to fight their way back into the contest and notch up an important first-up win.
"I think we built and grew across the game - it did take us a little time," McKinnis said.
"The Firebirds had some really good defensive pressure as well - we were under pressure and I think we were a little slow to adapt but we did eventually."
Next up for the Vixens is the Giants at Melbourne Arena this Sunday (May 5).
Meanwhile, Collingwood Magpies consolidated its impressive pre-season form with an impressive 57-43 victory over back-to-back champions Sunshine Coast Lightning.
The Magpies, who will play West Coast Fever in Bendigo in round five on May 25, finished over the top of the visitors to earn the first opening-round win in their three-year history.
It capped a successful double-header at Melbourne Arena, following the earlier win of the Vixens.
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