The first round of VNL finals had just about everything from upsets to extra time, and the preliminary finals will look to be no different as six teams aim to book their spot in the 2022 Grand Final across the three divisions.
Championship
Geelong Cougars v Melbourne University Lightning
Division 1
North East Blaze v Geelong Cougars
19/Under
Melbourne University Lightning v Wilson Storage Southern Saints
Championship - Maggie Caris
Maggie Caris has been a key cog in Melbourne University Lightning’s defence and her side will be eager to replicate their Round 5 feat and defeat Geelong, who went down to City West Falcons in an overtime thriller last week. Since returning for 2022, Caris has created a strong combination with fellow defender Gabby Coffey with the pair working tirelessly to shut down some of the competition's best shooters. Caris has a great read on the ball and isn’t afraid to go out for a fly to win the ball back for her team. Her hands over pressure and ability to cleanly win possession makes her an incredible threat down back. The potential match up of Caris with Julia Wooley will be one to watch and could prove to be the key to the match.
Division 1 - Bron Taylor
Bron Taylor has been essential through the midcourt for North East Blaze this season. Playing across both wing attack and goal attack, Taylor has created a strong combination with centre Sam Coppinger with the pair able to weave the ball into the goal circle. Taylor is a real playmaker and was pivotal in getting the Blaze to 18 consecutive wins. Her versatility to shift into the goal circle adds another string to her bow, partnering well with Kaylah Loulanting. Taylor is strong once the ball hits the circle edge and feeds the ball to her shooters effortlessly. Blaze will come up against the Geelong Cougars for a spot in the Grand Final, with the potential matchup of Taylor against Indya Ford.
19/Under - Charlize Buskermolon
Saints captain Charlize Buskermolon has been a lynchpin in attack with her flexibility to play goal attack and wing attack, and will need to be at the top of her game once again this week. Buskermolon is a classy player who can open up the space nicely in the goal circle for her shooting partner. While in wing attack she’s strong on the second phase and around circle edge to combine nicely with centre, Millie Hogg. Coming up against the Lightning for a spot in the Grand Final, the potential matchup of Buskermolon up against either Grace Markovic or Charlee Kemp will be one to watch out for given the influence they have for their respective sides.
