After a blockbuster Round 1 of Victorian Netball League action, Round 2 is set to be just as exciting. All games bar the Geelong vs City West Falcons match up will be played at the State Netball Centre on Wednesday. Geelong will host the Falcons on Sunday in their first home game for the year.
Here’s one player to watch from each division this week:
Round 2 Fixture:
North East Blaze vs Boroondara Express
Melbourne University Lightning vs Hawks Netball
Ariels vs Casey Demons
Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Peninsula Waves
Geelong Cougars vs City West Falcons
Championship
Making her debut for the Hawks in Round 1, former Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever goaler Kaylia Stanton will be eager to impose herself under the post once again. The Hawks will look to post a substantial total against Melbourne University Lightning with Stanton steering the ship, thanks to her clever footwork and holds. Able to play as both a holding and moving shooter, Stanton offers versatility inside the circle for the Hawks and will need to bring that level of intensity on Wednesday night. Stanton also has the capacity to transition between goal shooter and goal attack to provide a point of difference in the Hawks’ front half when needed.
Division 1
Taking out the MVP award for Division 1 last year, Boroondara Express’ Chelsea Sartori is a strong-bodied midcourter that uses her turn of speed to burn off her opponents. Strong the middle channel, Sartori can dictate the flow and speed of the game for Boroondara through her ball movement and vision. She is a real leader and often commands the ball from her teammates to help set up attacking plans. Through the centre, Sartori often showcases her two-way running and defensive nous to get back and help apply defensive pressure, before switching into an attacking mindset which she will need to showcase on Wednesday against North East Blaze.
19/Under
The injection of Tara Watson in Round 1 was exactly the spark the North East Blaze needed and the midcourt dynamo will be hoping to replicate that energy once again in Round 2. A crafty player with ball in hand, Watson showcased her ability to read the play and her flexibility to move between centre and wing defence with ease. A member of the Vixens Academy and selected in the Victorian 17/Under squad, Watson has an arsenal of talents to draw upon, with strength and body positioning two focal points in her game play. Her vision into the circle also makes her a player to watch through the midcourt, willing to release the ball from just about anywhere.
