FIXTURE
Wednesday 4 June
- Peninsula Waves vs Gippsland Stars (Frankston)
- North East Blaze vs Western Warriors
- Boroondara Express vs Bendigo Strikers
- Geelong Cougars vs Casey Demons
- City West Falcons vs Hawks Netball
- Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Melbourne University Lightning
BROADCAST
Netball Victoria Facebook
City West Falcons vs Hawks Netball
7pm – Championship
8.30pm – 23&U
KommunityTV
Boroondara Express vs Bendigo Strikers
7pm – 23&U
8.30pm – Championship
**Access is free for existing Herald Sun subscribers.
ROUND HIGHLIGHTS
Championship
- It wasn’t long ago when Hawks Netball and City West Falcons had their last match up, with the Falcons coming away with the win by six goals. If any team can hand the Falcons their first defeat, it’ll be the Hawks with the last encounter the closest margin for the ladder leaders so far this season. Jane Cook had a flawless 61 goals at 100% for the Falcons, and it’s a chance for her to replicate that performance. The feeds from Montana Holmes and Vanessa Augustini will need to be spot on with the formidable defensive duo in Chloe Duke and Kirsty Clark on the hunt for the ball.
- The Peninsula Waves have shown steady improvement week after week and will be eager for another crack at the Gippsland Stars. While the Stars edged out a three-goal win in their previous meeting, the Waves have since hit their stride and are building momentum. A different attack end could prove costly for the Stars, giving the Waves a chance to reverse the result. A standout battle looms in the midcourt, where Katie Fone’s speed will be tested against Issy Rebecca. Both are strong around circle edge, with Rebecca’s closing speed a key weapon in generating turnovers for the Waves.
- Just two goals separated the North East Blaze and Western Warriors in their Round 3 clash, with Blaze narrowly claiming the win. Blaze's form has however dropped, coming up just short in their previous two outings, while the Warriors are eyeing back-to-back victories. A key matchup to watch will be between Jasmine Fraser and Sam Silvester, with Silvester's composure under the post and pinpoint shooting for Blaze making her a constant threat. Fraser's reach and timing gives her the edge in contesting ball in the air or on the body.
- Melbourne University Lightning will be desperate to get back on the winners list when they face the Southern Saints. The Saints often start strong but struggle to maintain momentum once their opposition finds rhythm. Millie Roach has cemented her role at goal shooter for the Saints, consistently posting more than 30 goals thanks to her height and rebounding ability. Lightning’s Tilly Shepherd will be no easy matchup, with her aerial dominance and ability to contest both inside and outside the circle set to test Roach’s composure under pressure. Her long-range shooting will be key, especially as her connection with Rahni Samason continues to develop.
23&Under
- While Boroondara Express currently sit eighth on the ladder, they've proven to be a tough challenge for top-tier teams — including the Bendigo Strikers. Just two goals separated the sides in their last encounter, with both teams dominating a half each. Since then, Express have improved in managing close finishes, but will now look to turn their draws into wins. Ella Kerlin was a standout in that clash, shooting 26 goals in goal attack and getting the better of Abby Hocking. Expect Hocking to come out with intent this time, aiming to limit Kerlin’s impact and volume under pressure.
- The Geelong Cougars will be looking to steady the ship, and their upcoming clash with the Casey Demons presents the perfect opportunity. The Cougars will be determined to cement their spot in the top four among the competition’s frontrunners, as the race tightens around them. Indi O’Connor has lifted her scoring volume, but it’s her playmaking that keeps the Cougars' attack running smoothly. She’ll face a tough test against Gemma Meadley, whose defensive presence, strong hands over the shot and ability to shut down a player can disrupt even the most well-oiled shooting combinations.
- Hawks Netball claimed a convincing win the last time they faced the City West Falcons, but the momentum now sits with the Falcons, who have had strong form in recent weeks. It’s a crucial fifth versus sixth showdown, with both sides firmly in the hunt for a top four finish. A key battle will be in the circle, where Mikaela Minns will be tasked with containing Hawks shooter Dakota Blade, in a match loaded with pivotal contests across the court.
ONE TO WATCH
Claudia Mawson is back from injury and hasn’t skipped a beat. The long range and accurate goaler is the experienced head in Melbourne University Lightning’s attack line, bringing leadership and composure on and off the ball. She’s linked up well with the younger athletes coming through the pathway into the Championship team with the likes of Emma Winfield and Alex Booker taking advantage of Mawson’s knowledge. Mawson is the Lightning’s club captain for the 2025 season while also repping the Vixens Academy dress in the Super Netball Reserves competition. Mawson has been a key member of the Victorian Fury squad since 2022.
