Victoria’s top men’s and mixed netball teams have returned to national competition play this week at the Australian Men's & Mixed Netball Association Championships (AMMNA).
All Victorian teams have performed exceptionally well across the seven-day competition held at Adelaide’s Netball SA Stadium, with each division recording solid wins.
Five Victorian teams will play in the grand final matches commencing from 9am today (Saturday 23 April): 17 & Under Boys; 20 & Under Mens; 23 & Under Mens; Reserve Mens; and Open Mens.
Expect a particularly a close game in the Reserve Mens division, where Victoria will come up against NSW after just a two-goal loss on Thursday. It will also be a tough battle in the 23 & Under Mens division, with Victoria taking on the QLD Suns who have not dropped a game since Round 1.
The Open Mens team will look to capitalise on the momentum of a convincing semi-final win over West Coast in their game against NSW, while the 17 & Under Boys are hoping to maintain their undefeated streak.
All games will be livestreamed for free viewing via the South Australian Men's and Mixed Netball Association Facebook page and the AMMNA TV YouTube channel.
Victoria’s Open and Reserve Mixed teams just missed out on a grand final spot, going down to NSW and Qld Suns respectively in their semi-finals.
President of the Victorian Men's & Mixed Netball Association (VMMNA) Matthew Blomeley said it’s been fantastic to see the AMMNA Championships return after nearly three years off due to COVID.
“It’s been incredible amongst all the states. There are people who’ve never played before, there’s returning players, and you can see the excitement on everyone’s faces when they're taking the court.”
Blomeley said the high standard of play speaks to the quality of Australia’s netball pathways, and the increasing popularity of the sport among men.
“You see these junior boys coming through and the ones following the pathways are going to be incredible once they reach Open Mens,” he said. “Netball is their sport of choice and the more opportunities we’re able to give them, the stronger the entire game will be for both men and women.”
Among the standout Victorian athletes has been shooter Cameron Allum, who Blomeley describes as a “revelation” playing in his first year playing in the Open Mens. Alastair Punshon also continues to impress in defence after several years at the elite level.
“The future of men’s netball is looking so bright for Victoria,” said Blomeley.
AMMNA 2022 Grand Finals
Saturday 23 April 2022
Watch live via Facebook or YouTube
9am ACST/9.30am AEST
17 & Under Boys: Victoria vs Southern Dragons
9am ACST/9.30am AEST
Reserve Mens: Victoria vs NSW
11am ACST/11.30am AEST
20 & Under Mens: Victoria vs QLD Regional
1pm ACST/1.30pm AEST
Open Mens: Victoria vs NSW
3pm ACST/3.30pm AEST
23 & Under Mens: Victoria vs QLD Suns
