No team rattles on goals quite like the Steel. The link between shooters Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and Jodi Brown has been an irresistible force. The pair have helped the Steel amass 727 goals at an average of 60.58 this season.
The Melbourne-based Vixens are pretty useful on attack, as well. They are the next-best attacking team in the league with 682 goals. But it is on defence where the Vixens have really left their mark.
They have conceded 527 goals at an average of 43.91 a match. Geva Mentor and Bianca Chatfield have presented a wall on defence few teams have been able to bypass.
The Steel hosts the competition leader in Invercargill today and Brown expects a torrid time in the shooting circle.
''If you go by stats, they are the best defensive combo,'' Brown said.
''The Magic are up there as well, but I think they [the Vixens] bring a different style.
''When you play Leana [de Bruin] and Casey [Kopua] you know you are going to get a really good tussle. But the Vixens bring an intimidation factor. They really know how to rark you up ... and get into your head, as well.''
What makes Mentor so good, in Brown's opinion, is her ability to read the game.
''She knows where the ball is going and knows where to put her body and how to move her feet. She has really good footwork and you need that as a goal keeper.''
Brown said Mentor also has the knack of tempting players with the illusion of space but can close those gaps in a second. That is why she is near the top of the all the key defensive statistics.
Brown may have to partner with Te Paea Selby-Rickit in the shooting circle. Fowler-Reid injured a knee in the 64-60 win against the Tactix in Dunedin on Sunday but has made steady progress.
''She had a light session with the physio on Wednesday ... but she was looking like she was OK. Hopefully, she will come through OK,'' Brown said.
The Vixens need the win to secure the minor premiership and the Steel wants to finish as well as possible.
The Steel made a slow start to the competition but in recent weeks has found top form.
''Last year, we hit the ground running but petered out towards the end. This season we've started slowly but got running halfway through the competition. If we can get the mix right, then watch out next year.''
Speaking of next year, Brown is keen to return. The 33-year-old is as fit as she has ever been and playing nicely.
''At the end of the season you always take stock ... but I'd like to think the Steel can continue along the way they are at the moment.''
Both sides are coming off a win in round 13. The Vixens were impressive in their 64-43 victory over the Thunderbirds. They also enjoy an historical advantage over the Steel, having won four of the six encounters.
The Vixens are on track to claim their third ANZ Championship minor premiership if they beat the Steel. The Vixens claimed the minor premiership in 2009 and 2012.
ANZ Championship
Steel v Vixens
Where: Invercargill
When: Today, 4.20pm
Steel: Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, Jodi Brown (captain), Shannon Francois, Phillipa Finch, Wendy Frew, Rachel Rasmussen, Phoenix Karaka, Storm Purvis, Erena Mikaere, Stacey Peeters, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Gina Crampton.
Vixens: Karyn Bailey, Catherine Cox, Madison Robinson, Elizabeth Watson, Kate Moloney, Bianca Chatfield, Geva Mentor, Tegan Caldwell, Amy Steel, Joanna Weston, Erin Hoare, Caitlyn Strachan.
