With Round 8 just around the corner, it promises to be a blockbuster night of netball, with a top four clash in the Championship division between Melbourne University Lightning and North East Blaze. While North East Blaze remain the only undefeated team across the competition with the club yet to lose a game in Division 1.
Fixture
Boroondara Express v Peninsula Waves
North East Blaze v Melbourne University Lightning
City West Falcons v Ariels
Geelong Cougars v Wilson Storage Southern Saints
Hawks Netball v Casey Demons
Championship- Emily Andrew
Emily Andrew has been a key player for the Wilson Storage Southern Saints this season, with her commanding presence in the goal circle second to none. Andrew has the ability to play either that holding shooter or can create a moving circle credit to her netball nous. The Melbourne Vixens squad member, has great awareness and can bring her fellow goaler into the game through her crafty offloads in attack, which is something fans have seen both at VNL level and at the National Championships. Andrew will need to be on her a-game when the Saints come up against the ladder leaders in the Geelong Cougars.
Division 1- Sam Coppinger
Sam Coppinger has brought that speed and tenacity into the midcourt for North East Blaze in Division 1. She is a real playmaker for the Blaze with her vision and timing a couple of key attributes. Defensively Coppinger is quite strong and can really apply that pressure on her opposition. Coppinger has created a great midcourt combination with Bronwyn Taylor with the pair combining nicely to get that smooth transition into the goal circle. Coppinger brings the leadership both on and off the court, being named captain of the Blaze’s Division 1 team and has played a huge role in the Blaze’s undefeated run this season. Coppinger will be looking to continue the Blaze’s hot streak when they come up against the Melbourne University Lightning on Wednesday night.
19/Under- Grace Markovic
Grace Markovic is a highly talented and versatile player for Melbourne University Lightning. She’s able to pull on the wing defence, centre or goal defence bib, Markovic is renowned for her flashy style of play and consistent hunt. She’s an incredibly tenacious player that is always looking to have an impact while out on court. Markovic is not afraid to back herself in and can seamlessly transition between multiple positions out on court. She is a real lynchpin through the midcourt thanks to her punchy drives and strong hands to rip the ball out of mid-air.
