In Round 14, the Victorian Netball League will celebrate First Nations Round, thanks to the support of RACV. The round recognises the tremendous contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to sport, and in particular netball in Victoria. Netball Victoria is committed to a journey of Reconciliation, working to break down barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the state.
FIXTURE
Wednesday, 29 May
State Netball Centre, Parkville
- Boroondara Express vs City West Falcons
- Peninsula Waves vs Western Warriors
- Bendigo Strikers vs WS Southern Saints
- MU Lightning vs Hawks Netball
- Gippsland Stars vs North East Blaze (23&U only; Blaze Championship BYE)
- Geelong Cougars vs Casey Demons
BROADCAST
Wednesday, 29 May
Netball Victoria Facebook
MU Lightning vs Hawks Netball
7.00pm - 23&U
8.30pm - Championship
KommunityTV
Geelong Cougars vs Casey Demons
7.00pm - 23&U
8.30pm - Championship
Subscription required (access is free for existing Herald Sun subscribers).
ROUND HIGHLIGHTS
Championship
- As we start to get into the business end of the season, a 1 vs 2 clash is the perfect way to begin the run home for Boroondara Express and City West Falcons, who will likely face off in finals come July. Both sides have recorded 10 wins for the year, dropping one game each – the Falcons lost to Express in Round 1 by one goal. Express’ recent form hasn’t been what they’d hoped with a loss, draw and bye in their last four rounds, and is something they’ll be looking to redeem in their battle against the Falcons.
- Finals hopes aren’t over yet for the Geelong Cougars who sit in sixth on the ladder with more wins than fifth-placed Hawks and one win behind fourth-placed MU Lightning – the two sides will be playing each other this round. After two disappointing losses over the last two rounds, the Cougars will put in the preparation to take on Casey Demons this week. Cougars’ defender Brooke Allan will face Demons’ goaler, Emma Ryde who snuck into the Hot Shot Leaderboard at the beginning of last week’s split round.
23&Under
- Another top of the table clash between second-placed Melbourne University Lightning and ladder leaders Hawks Netball will headline the 23&U fixture. Lightning has recorded one loss, while the Hawks sit undefeated on top, and last time the two teams met (in Round 1), the result was a draw. Hawks’ goaler, Jess Tetley is second on the division’s Hot Shot Leaderboard, however Lightning has scored more goals as a team across the season. It’s a flip of the coin as to which way this will go.
- Fighting to stay in the top four, the City West Falcons will give it their all in their match against Boroondara Express. The Falcons are coming off two losses – to two of the top four sides – so a lift in confidence is needed if they’re any chance to storm home and remain in finals contention.
ONE TO WATCH
Myah Healey – Gippsland Stars
The accurate left-handed shooter brings three years of VNL experience to the side, including a standout 2021 rookie season for Casey Demons where she won the club’s 19&U Best and Fairest Award. Healey is also a talented basketballer who currently plays in the NBL1. She is Gippsland’s most experienced shooter and shoots majority of their goals each week from anywhere she lines up.
