The VNL will celebrate its annual First Nations Round this week thanks to the support of RACV. With all ten clubs gathering at the State Netball Centre to recognise our First Nations communities and their contributions to Victorian netball, it’s set to be a night to remember!
FIXTURE
Wednesday 31 May – State Netball Centre
- Casey Demons vs Melbourne University Lightning (Livestream – Kommunity TV)
- Boroondara Express vs City West Falcons
- North East Blaze vs Ariels
- Geelong Cougars vs Wilson Storage Southern Saints
- Hawks Netball vs Peninsula Waves (Livestream – Netball Victoria Facebook Page)
BROADCAST GUIDE
Netball Victoria Facebook
Hawks Netball vs Peninsula Waves
7pm – 19&U | 8.20pm – Division 1 | 9.40pm – Championship
KommunityTV
Casey Demons vs Melbourne University Lightning
7pm – Championship | 8.20pm – Division 1 | 9.40pm – 19&U
ONES TO WATCH
Championship
Round 11 will see a top of the table clash between City West Falcons and Boroondara Express. The Falcons sit on top of the Championship ladder and haven’t lost since Round 1, while the second-placed Express’ only defeat has come at the hands of the Falcons earlier this season. Sarah Szczykulski has been solid in defence for Express and will need to continue that form when she takes on Jane Cook under the post. The division will see another top four clash when Geelong Cougars take on the Saints. Third-placed Cougars will be looking to bounce back from last week’s loss, while the Saints, who sit in fourth, are chasing three in a row. Cougars’ Brooke Allen, who has been impressive in 2023, will have her hands full trying to stop Vixens squad member Emily Andrew in the circle. The Saints will also take to the court in their new First Nations dress for the first time. Their dress has been designed by Bayley Mifsud, a proud Kirrae and Peek Wurrong woman of the Gundjitmara nation, who also designed the dress to be worn by Melbourne University Lightning.
Division 1
Geelong Cougars will be hoping to rejoin the winners list when they take on the Saints this week. The ladder leaders come off two losses, while the Saints are chasing their third consecutive win. Georgina Cuthbertson has been impressive for the Cougars and will be instrumental as her side looks to tally some points. Melbourne University Lightning will also be hoping to bounce back from last week when they play the Demons, while Hawks Netball will be looking to cement their position in the top two with win against Peninsula Waves. Waves goal defence April Bethune will be looking to disrupt the impact of Hawk’s goal attack Hannah Keane, with both players proving to be invaluable to their sides in recent weeks.
19/Under
With only percentage separating the top three in 19&U division, ladder leaders North East Blaze will be looking to solidify their spot when they take on Ariels. Anaisis Tupuailei and Tahlia Bradshaw have been valiant in defence and will need to be on their game as they try to shut down strong Blaze shooter Helen Aumua. Ariels are the second team to debut a First Nations dress, with theirs designed by Healesville-based artist Teghan Voce, who is a proud Wiradjuri/Taungururng woman. Second-placed Melbourne University Lightning will also be hoping to continue their hot form when they face Casey Demons. Expect to see a fierce battle between Lightning’s Montaya Sardi and Demons’ Lainey Bidwell, who’ve both been unstoppable in the midcourt. In another midcourt match-up, Millie Hogg and Chiara Grigg have been polling well for the Saints, but will face a challenge in the Geelong duo of Zoey Shaw and Rosie Todd.
