The 2025 VNL finals series kicks off on Wednesday 23 July, featuring eight clubs and a revamped format. Week one will see six teams in both the 23&Under and Championship divisions competing.
In the first week, 1 vs 2 face off in the qualifying final, with the winner advancing directly to the major semi final in the second week, while the loser plays in the minor semi final.
Two elimination finals also take place in week one: 3 vs 6 and 4 vs 5, with the losers eliminated and the winners moving on based on their ranking at the end of the season proper. The higher ranked winner will progress to the major semi final and the lower ranked winner progresses to the minor semi final.
In the second week, the minor semi final sees one team eliminated and the winner progressing to the preliminary final, while the major semi final determines the first grand finalist, with the loser given another chance in the preliminary final.
The third week hosts the preliminary final, where the winner earns the second spot in the grand final and the loser is eliminated.
Tickets for week one are on sale now.
FIXTURE
Wednesday 23 July
Championship
Qualifying:
- City West Falcons vs Boroondara Express (1 vs 2)
Elimination:
- Hawks Netball vs North East Blaze (3 vs 6)
- Casey Demons vs Bendigo Strikers (4 vs 5)
23&U
Qualifying:
- North East Blaze vs Melbourne University Lightning (1 vs 2)
Elimination:
- Hawks Netball vs City West Falcons (3 vs 6)
- Bendigo Strikers vs Geelong Cougars (4 vs 5)
BROADCAST
Netball Victoria Facebook and KommunityTV
North East Blaze vs Melbourne University Lightning
7pm – 23&U
Bendigo Strikers vs Geelong Cougars
7pm – 23&U
Hawks Netball vs North East Blaze
8.45pm – Championship
Exclusively KommunityTV
Hawks Netball vs City West Falcons
7pm – 23&U
City West Falcons vs Boroondara Express
8.45pm – Championship
Casey Demons vs Bendigo Strikers
8.45pm – Championship
**Access is free for existing Herald Sun subscribers.
ROUND HIGHLIGHTS
Championship
- The City West Falcons remain undefeated in 2025 and will aim to keep their perfect record intact when they face Boroondara Express in a familiar finals showdown. These two powerhouse sides have clashed in the last two grand finals, and with the Falcons chasing a historic four premierships in a row, Express stands as their first obstacle in this year's campaign. Boroondara’s Casey Adamson has been a force to be reckoned with in the midcourt with her defence key to their success this season. For the Falcons, Montana Holmes can shift momentum in an instant with her quick transition and vision into the circle hard to counter.
- Hawks Netball and North East Blaze are set for a high-stakes showdown in this week’s elimination final. Their Round 11 clash saw the Hawks edge out Blaze by just four goals after a dominant final-quarter push. For Blaze to get the win, a strong start will be crucial, as will Georgia Moody’s dodges and entries into the circle to create scoring opportunities in attack. Olivia Barnett’s footwork and closing speed will be essential for the Hawks’ defence to confuse space and win ball.
- Casey Demons and Bendigo Strikers will go head-to-head in an elimination final. The Demons claimed a seven-goal win when the sides met in Round 10, but with several key players missing for the Strikers that day, this game could tell a very different story. For Casey, Piuti Laban’s confidence and willingness to go to post will be crucial. Bendigo’s Zoe Davies brings unpredictability in defence, with her athleticism, vertical leap, and ball-hunting instincts a potential game-changer for the Strikers.
23&Under
- North East Blaze and Melbourne University Lightning are set to clash in a blockbuster qualifying final, following a thrilling one-goal win to Blaze in their Round 16 encounter. Lightning’s attacking flow will rely heavily on Millie Hogg, whose control on the centre pass and precision feeding from circle edge have been key assets all season. She’ll have her hands full with Blaze’s Ayva Tanfara, whose relentless one-on-one defence and sharp tracking see her disrupt play and generate crucial turnovers.
- Hawks Netball will take on City West Falcons in a high-stakes elimination final, with recent form favouring the Hawks. They've taken out both meetings this season – by 17 goals and eight goals – putting the pressure firmly on the Falcons to turn the tide. Expect a shootout between two proven goalers, with Hawks’ Dakota Blade and Falcons’ Amalani Fauonuku both capable of putting up 40-plus goals. Defensive pressure will be crucial, as any lapse could see the scoreboard blow out quickly.
- Just one round after their last encounter, the Bendigo Strikers and Geelong Cougars will meet again, this time with finals survival on the line. The Cougars claimed a hard-fought four-goal win last week against a spirited Strikers side, and with the quality across both teams, another close contest is on the cards. Bendigo’s Shae Clifford offers composure and ball security, giving her side stability through transition, while Geelong’s Louise Shaw brings speed off the centre pass and excellent second-phase depth, helping the Cougars generate scoring opportunities.
