Victoria’s premier competition is back for its 14th iteration, and after an electrifying 2022 season we’re sure to see sparks fly on court once again.
Here’s everything you need to know before the 10 teams clash in Round 1.
REIGNING CHAMPIONS
City West Falcons: The Falcons will be looking to recreate their previous success as they defend both the Championship and 19&U titles. It was a tight tussle against Geelong Cougars for the Championship title, with the lead changing several times throughout the intensely physical battle.
A true team effort with some scintillating performances under the post from Uneeq Palavi and from MVP Zoe Davies in defence denied Geelong back-to-back wins by just two goals. The sides will face off in a Grand Final rematch to begin their 2023 season in Torquay.
The Falcons had work to do at the start of the 19&U final, as the Wilson Storage Southern Saints flew out of the blocks to establish an early lead. But the Falcons weren’t to be outdone. With a best-on-court performance from goaler Teal Hocking and a rigid full-court defence, they claimed the title 62–47.
Hawks Netball: The Hawks also claimed an impressive comeback victory in the Division 1 Grand Final. The calm and collected attacking strategy combined with the incredible stamina from goalkeeper Chloe Duke saw a mammoth fourth quarter for the Hawks, leading them to victory and ensuring that Geelong took silver in both grand final appearances.
FIXTURE
View the fixture for this year’s competition.
WHO TO WATCH
Some familiar faces are set to boost the team lists of the City West Falcons and Casey Demons, as former Vixens Kim Borger (Team Bath) and Tayla Honey (London Pulse) return from stints in the UK’s Netball Super League.
Former Super Netball and Melbourne Kestrels player Shae Brown returns to the Melbourne University Lightning as a Specialist Coach, while Ariels have recruited elite coach Jade Heinrich, and the Peninsula Waves have appointed Keira Wills as their Head Coach alongside Coach Director Sue Hawkins.
HOW TO WATCH
Last week we announced the extension of our partnership with News Corp’s KommunityTV for the next three VNL seasons.
In 2023, netball fans will be able to watch six VNL matches per round live across Netball Victoria and KommunityTV platforms.
KommunityTV will host a ‘match-up of the round’ each week, livestreaming the clash across the Championship, Division 1 and 19 & Under divisions exclusively for a subscription fee. Watch the livestreams here.
Netball Victoria will also continue to livestream a match-up from each round, across the three divisions, at no cost to viewers via its Facebook channel.
Every semi and preliminary final will be livestreamed across one or both of the Netball Victoria and KommunityTV platforms.
Come grand final week, the Championship match will be simulcast exclusively on KommunityTV and Kayo Freebies, and the Division 1 and 19 & Under deciders on Netball Victoria’s Facebook plus co-streaming to KommunityTV and Kayo Freebies.
Read more about the partnership
Round 1 Livestreamed Matches:
Wednesday 15 March – Casey Demons vs Hawks Netball (Netball Victoria Facebook Page)
Saturday 19 March – Geelong Cougars vs City West Falcons (KommunityTV)
