FIXTURE
Wednesday, 19 June
State Netball Centre, Parkville
Peninsula Waves vs North East Blaze
Melbourne University Lightning vs Gippsland Stars (23&U only – Championship BYE)
Western Warriors vs Boroondara Express
Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Hawks Netball
Geelong Cougars vs City West Falcons
Casey Demons vs Bendigo Strikers
BROADCAST
Wednesday, 19 June
Netball Victoria Facebook
Western Warriors vs Boroondara Express
7.00pm - 23&U
8.30pm - Championship
KommunityTV
Melbourne University Lightning vs Gippsland Stars
7.00pm - 23&U
Peninsula Waves vs North East Blaze
8.30pm - Championship
Subscription required (access is free for existing Herald Sun subscribers).
ROUND HIGHLIGHTS
Championship
- Second-placed Boroondara Express are under pressure to resurrect their form slump of a three-game losing streak, when they play Western Warriors. Another loss could see Express fall to third and open North East Blaze’s path to a top two finish. For the ninth-placed Warriors, it’s a ripe opportunity to build momentum and connections into their 2025 season, and they’ll be asking even more of veteran Kim Borger who shot 45 goals (92%) last week.
- City West Falcons face a tantalizing matchup with Geelong Cougars in a battle of first vs fifth. The ladder leaders barely wobbled in last week’s 71-52 win after some of their key players – Lucia Fauonuku, Melissa Oloamau and Uneeq Palavi – played in the Pacific Netball Series in Brisbane. The trio’s return will bolster the Falcons roster as the biggest test the rising Cougars face yet, after going down by 15 the last time they met.
23&Under
- The battle for finals heats up when North East Blaze (3rd) takes on Peninsula Waves (6th) and City West Falcons (4th) plays Geelong Cougars (5th). Just one win separates Blaze and Falcons, and the Round 17 matches will be paramount in setting the path to finals for all four teams. Peninsula Waves hold the most power as the side with an upset chance, particularly in tight matches – they drew against the Saints last week after two clutch last-minute goals from Charlize Gabel Joseph – and have been building over the last three rounds.
- The Gippsland Stars are eying their first win in five weeks when they face the star-studded Melbourne University Lightning. It’s an uphill battle though, as Lightning’s co-captain Kirby Elliot strengthens their defense in her return from concussion protocols, while their attack boasts 19&U premiership winners Emma Winfield, Asha Gray and Kate O’Dwyer. Lightning was pushed to the final whistle last week, so for the Stars, never say never!
ONE TO WATCH
Sienna Green – Hawks Netball
Warragul’s Sienna Green is a coach’s dream. The zippy midcourter has speed to burn, carrying the Hawks midcourt each week. Her decision-making is impeccable and connection with the Hawks goalers is flawless. Green was named Most Valuable Player in the VNL’s 19&U division in 2023.
