Vixens combo will only get better: Philip

Tegan Philip's partnership with Mwai Kumwenda for the Melbourne Vixens is already the most potent in Super Netball and Philip has warned the rest of the competition it will only get better as the season progresses.

The two have scored a combined 291 goals in the first five games they have played together. Kumwenda moved to Melbourne in the summer from New Zealand side Mainland Tactix, while Philip is back in action after a cruciate ligament injury wrecked her 2016 campaign.

The pair made an immediate impact in their upset round-one victory over city rivals Magpies and were just as potent in thrashing the Queensland Firebirds 66-50 on Saturday night.

"We'll definitely get better, the more we train and play together and get to know each other's game," Philip said.

"In the first round I did a bit better but I'm happy with the percentage and volume of goals, but it's a lot easier with MJ scoring everything under the basket."

The dual attacking threat makes the Vixens unpredictable to defend, but Philip says this is only possible due to the expert feeding of Kate Moloney and Liz Watson.

"I think we are a bit different in our combination," Philip said.

"We can play a moving circle or a holding shooter so we have a variety of methods we can use.

"The girls let the ball go into the circle as soon was possible. Lizzie did a great job letting it off and not letting defenders get in our space."

The Vixens have confounded pre-season tipsters to sit within touching distance of the top of the ladder and Philip believes they can emulate their 2014 Trans-Tasman victory.

"We certainly can (win the title) if we play as we can," Philip said.

"We worked so hard over pre-season it's no surprise to us how we are playing."