Round 16 of the Victorian Netball League will mark First Nations Round, honouring the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to sport, especially netball in Victoria. Netball Victoria remains dedicated to its Reconciliation journey, striving to remove barriers and create equal opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout the state.
Games will be played at the State Netball Centre on Wurundjeri Country and Selkirk Stadium on Wadawurrung Country.
FIXTURE
Wednesday 2 July
- Casey Demons vs Hawks Netball
- Melbourne University Lightning vs North East Blaze
- Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Peninsula Waves
- Gippsland Stars vs Boroondara Express
Sunday 6 July
- Bendigo Strikers vs Western Warriors
- Geelong Cougars vs City West Falcons
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BROADCAST
Netball Victoria Facebook
Melbourne University Lightning vs North East Blaze
7pm – 23&U
Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Peninsula Waves
8.30pm – Championship
KommunityTV
Casey Demons vs Hawks Netball
7pm – 23&U
8.30pm – Championship
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ROUND HIGHLIGHTS
Championship
- Hawks Netball will face the Casey Demons in a battle between third and fourth on the ladder. The two sides last met in Round 1, where the Hawks dominated with a 15-goal win. But the Demons will be out for redemption, aiming to flip the script this time around. Leading the charge in the shooting circle will be two prolific scorers Emma Ryde for the Demons and Ashlea Mawer for the Hawks, each bringing contrasting styles that have proven highly effective. Hawks playmaker Jess Tetley will be central to their attacking flow with Gabby Dwyer tasked to minimise Tetley’s influence.
- The Peninsula Waves will be chasing back-to-back victories when they take on the Southern Saints . Riding high after an impressive performance last week, the Waves come in full of confidence, while the Saints will be looking to fix a troubling pattern of starting strong but struggling to maintain their lead. Lauren Spinks’ ball speed and vision into the circle has been an asset for the Waves. To stay in the contest, the Saints will need Mia van Wyk to shut down Spinks’ impact early and disrupt her delivery into the goal circle.
- Both the Western Warriors and Bendigo Strikers head into this weekend's clash in Ballarat on the back of strong wins. The Strikers have already locked in their spot in the finals, while the Warriors remain in contention, sitting just outside the top six. Warriors shooting veteran Kim Borger will be vital in navigating the attacking third, with her experience and court craft put to the test against Strikers defender Charlotte Sexton. Known for her impeccable timing and reach, Sexton is capable of turning momentum with intercepts from anywhere.
23&Under
- It’s the top of the table clash between Melbourne University Lightning and North East Blaze. Blaze sits first on the ladder, but suffered their first loss of the season in Round 15. The Lightning have continued their momentum coming into the end of the season and will want to make sure they get the better of Blaze in the first quarter. Blaze goal scoring machine Olivia Cawthray will have a tough battle under the post against Lightning defender Tilly Shephard. Cawthray averages 44 goals a game so Shepherd will have a lot of responsibility to minimise her impact on the scoreboard.
- Tough losses for the Gippsland Stars and Boroondara Express last round will give them the push they need to get on the winners list. This is a chance for both sides to work on combination and build into next season with great signs being shown across each team. Jemma Whitaker is a key cog in Express’ midcourt, winning ball early and forcing a disconnect in the opposition’s attack. In the Stars midcourt, Paris Dunkley will need to remain composed with the ball and utilise the ball speed to pace the attack end.
- The Geelong Cougars and City West Falcons will go head-to-head after dominant wins in Round 15. Sitting fifth and sixth on the ladder respectively, both sides will look to solidify their finals positions. There’s no looking past the battle between Falcons’ shooter Amalani Fauonuku and Cougars defender Charli Hoey. Fauonuku’s strength on the take and accuracy at post is highlight of her game, while her opposition in Hoey can win ball and sneak into any space for an intercept.
ONE TO WATCH
Annecy Lyon is a new addition to Melbourne University Lightning, after seasons with the Southern Saints and Ariels, and has been an asset to their shooting circle. The 23&U goaler is a state representative, playing in the 17/U Victorian state team in 2024 and the 19/U side in 2025 at the National Netball Championships, taking home a silver and bronze medal. Lyon was also recognised as the Rising Star in the Geelong Football Netball League in 2024 while playing for Newtown and Chilwell.
