Vixens back leaders for Super Netball

Melbourne Vixens will retain their leadership group for a third season as they aim to return to the Super Netball finals in 2019.

Kate Moloney has been retained as captain and will be again supported by Liz Watson and Tegan Philip, who is entering her 10th season with the club.

Coach Simone McKinnis says the teams' vote of confidence in the trio is a reflection on the players' qualities.

"Having Kate, Lizzy and Tegan as our leaders for the last two seasons has really developed a culture and set of values that we are not only proud of but are able to live by across the board from players to staff, on and off the court," she said.

Moloney made her international debut for Australia in 2017 while Watson was recently named part of the Diamond's leadership group.

For the second consecutive year the Vixens will host the season opener at the Melbourne Arena when they take on the Queensland Firebirds on April 27.

They will travel to Brisbane on Thursday for a three-day pre-season tournament starting on Friday, in which they will play four matches.

The 2018 season was hit-and-miss for Melbourne as they dropped out of the top four in the last round to miss out on the finals.