FIXTURE
Wednesday 11 June
- Western Warriors vs Melbourne University Lightning
- Boroondara Express vs North East Blaze
- City West Falcons vs Wilson Storage Southern Saints
- Geelong Cougars vs Hawks Netball
- Bendigo Strikers vs Gippsland Stars
- Casey Demons vs Peninsula Waves
BROADCAST
Netball Victoria Facebook
Geelong Cougars vs Hawks Netball
7pm – 23&U
Boroondara Express vs North East Blaze
8.30pm – Championship
KommunityTV
Western Warriors vs Melbourne University Lightning
7pm – 23&U
8.30pm – Championship
**Access is free for existing Herald Sun subscribers.
ROUND HIGHLIGHTS
Championship
- The Western Warriors will be looking to bounce back from a last-minute defeat to North East Blaze when they take on Melbourne University Lightning, while the Lightning enter with confidence off the back of their second win of the season. Both teams struggled to find rhythm early in their previous matches, so a fast start will be crucial. Emma Winfield continues to be a standout for the Lightning with her versatility across the midcourt and goals, her precise feeds proving instrumental in their attack. Lightning will need to focus on shutting down Warriors’ young gun Ruby Shannon, whose energy, speed and willingness to give cross-court passes and ambitious feeds into the pocket have been testing defenders across the competition.
- When Boroondara Express and North East Blaze last faced off, it was Express who emerged with a convincing eight-goal win. They looked the stronger side from the first whistle, their full-court defensive pressure disrupting Blaze’s rhythm and forcing changes in the attacking end. Ruby Pekin-Schlicht was a standout, her explosive speed and ability to drive through the line of the ball creating plenty of opportunities for her side. She’ll be aiming to replicate that form against Blaze’s Georgia Moody, whose circle feeds have been a strength for her side all season.
- The Bendigo Strikers will return to full strength to face the Gippsland Stars. After a challenging run without several key players, the Strikers are looking to reignite their season and push their way back into the top four. Meanwhile, the Stars have also been navigating a disrupted campaign, trialling different combinations in recent rounds in search of consistency. A key matchup to watch will be under the post, where Ramayer Gourley and Charlotte Sexton are set to go head-to-head. Gourley’s versatility across both ends of the court has been vital for the Stars, but she’ll face a tough task against Sexton, whose strength lies in shutting down tall targets.
23&Under
- Only three goals separated the City West Falcons and Southern Saints in their Round 9 showdown, both teams delivering sharp, composed performances in a high-quality contest eventually claimed by Falcons. This time around the Falcons will be fighting to keep their finals hopes alive, but the Saints won’t be easy to overcome. A key battle looms between Achel Yout and the in-form Hayley Howard, who currently sits second on the Hot Shot leaderboard. Yout’s reach and presence in defence will be a major obstacle for the Saints' attack, as she works in her defensive unit to put doubt into the feeders’ minds.
- A pivotal clash between the Geelong Cougars and Hawks Netball is set to shape the race for fourth place on the ladder, only two points separating the sides with just five rounds left in the season. It promises to be a showdown in the shooting circle, as in-form goalers Eliza Dunnell of the Cougars and Dakota Blade of the Hawks go head-to-head, each capable of shooting more than 35 goals a game. The Cougars enter the contest with momentum on their side, riding a three-game winning streak and the bragging rights after defeating the Hawks by two goals back in Round 6.
- The Casey Demons face a tough challenge this round as they look to turn the tables on a strong Peninsula Waves outfit. The Waves' defensive dominance proved difficult to break through in their last meeting, where they claimed a commanding 24-goal win in Round 6 at Frankston. The attacking partnership of Charlize Gabel Joseph and Taylah Warner continues to be a major threat, with their movement and synergy posing a real test for the Demons' defence. Ruby Dwyer’s pressure in the midcourt will be key for the Demons; they’ll need generate turnover ball higher up the court to reduce the Waves’ feeders’ access to Gabel Joseph and Warner.
ONE TO WATCH
Eliza Molino brings valuable experience to North East Blaze from her time with the Australian 17/U squad and as a 2023 Vixens Academy member. She recently wrapped up a strong campaign with Victoria’s 19/U team, earning a silver medal at this year’s National Netball Championships. Known for her sharp footwork, strong front positioning and effective lean on the shot, Molino has managed to challenge some of the top shooters in the VNL’s 23/U division. Primarily a defender, she’s also proven her versatility by stepping into goals, demonstrating her all-round capabilities while playing for the Pakenham Lions in the Outer East Football Netball League.