Round 4 of the Victorian Netball League has rolled around with exciting matches set to headline Wednesday night once again. The ladder is starting to take shape across all three divisions with the Geelong Cougars yet to drop a game in the Championship division.
Round 4 fixture
Casey Demons vs. Wilson Storage Southern Saints
North East Blaze vs. Ariels
Boroondara Express vs. Geelong Cougars
Hawks Netball vs. City West Falcons
Peninsula Waves vs. Melbourne University Lightning
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Championship:
Crossing from Ariels to the Saints this year, Melbourne Vixens squad member Emily Andrew is proving to be a lynchpin in attack for her new side. In a stellar performance last round against Melbourne University Lightning the young goaler impressed with her timing and movement along the baseline. Andrew was not phased by the physicality of her opponent, using her sharp footwork to take the upper hand inside the goal circle. Her height also provides an advantage, making her a consistent threat in the air. Andrew will be hoping to bring that momentum into her clash against the Casey Demons who have had a shaky start to the season.
Round 1:
Shannon Blackman has had a consistent start to the season for Lightning, the midcourter's impressive vision often on display. A former Casey Demons player, Blackman has made the switch to the Lightning this year and has been a great addition through the centre court with her drive and tenacity. Blackman can seamlessly transition from defence to attack, making her a challenging matchup for opposition teams. With two wins already on the board, the Lightning and Blackman will be eager to set the tone early against Peninsula Waves and ply their strong brand of netball to continue their reign at the top.
19/Under:
City West Falcons have no shortage of stars in the 19/Under division with defender Charli Nicol amongst the exciting names. Nicol has an abundance of talent and is not afraid to use it, her long lean over the shot and impressive read of the play making her a nuisance inside the defensive circle. A member of the Australian 17/Under squad, Nicol is not afraid to go out hunting for the ball and is a fierce contender both in the air and at ground level. Coming up against Hawks Netball this week, expect the gritty defender to impose herself and use her body work to out-position her opponent inside the circle.
