The VNL will enter the penultimate round of the regular season with the teams in finals locked in.
The finals series is structured over four weeks. In the first week, 1 vs 2 face off in the qualifying final, with the winner advancing directly to major semi final in the second week, while the loser plays in the minor semi final.
Two elimination finals also take place in week one: 3 vs 6 and 4 vs 5, with the losers eliminated and the winners moving on based on their ranking at the end of the season proper. The higher ranked winner will progress to the major semi final and the lower ranked winner progresses to the minor semi final.
In the second week, the minor semi final sees one team eliminated and the winner progressing to the preliminary final, while the major semi final determines the first grand finalist, with the loser given another chance in the preliminary final.
The third week hosts the preliminary final, where the winner earns the second spot in the grand final and the loser is eliminated.
FIXTURE
Wednesday 9 July
- Hawks Netball vs Peninsula Waves
- Gippsland Stars vs Geelong Cougars
- Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Casey Demons
- Melbourne University Lightning vs Bendigo Strikers (Thornbury)
- City West Falcons vs North East Blaze (Altona)
Sunday 13 July
- Western Warriors vs Boroondara Express (Cobblebank)
BROADCAST
Netball Victoria Facebook
Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Casey Demons
7pm - Championship
8.30pm – 23&U
KommunityTV
Gippsland Stars vs Geelong Cougars
7pm – Championship
8.30pm – 23&U
**Access is free for existing Herald Sun subscribers.
ROUND HIGHLIGHTS
Championship
- It’s a clash of determination as the Gippsland Stars take on the Geelong Cougars. Neither side has won a game in the last 6 rounds so it’s a chance for either side to get back onto the winners list before season’s end. Alarna Arnason will have to step up in volume and accuracy if the Stars want to make an impact on the result. Emma Buwalda will also act as a strong target for the Cougars with the goal attack carrying majority of the shooting load and will link up nicely with Ally O’Connor in the midcourt.
- Both Hawks Netball and the Peninsula Waves are wanting to get on the winners list. The Waves have found relative success this season and will be full of confidence, but Hawks were shaken last round and will come into this contest with vengeance. April Bethune will have a big game ahead of her as the Waves defender works to disrupt the connection between the Hawks shooters. For the Hawks, Georgie O’Brien’s physicality looms a threatening presence along the transverse line with the defender able to win ball high up the court.
- The Southern Saints will look to replicate their performance from last round as they face the Casey Demons, while the Demons will want to continue their momentum heading into finals with the Saints wanting to end their season on a high. Casey’s Liv Hamilton loves to sight the circle early and is confident on the long feed. It will be up to Saints’ Jordyn Adams to apply the pressure early with her hands over the ball to block vision into the circle.
23&Under
- It’s a meeting between 2 vs 3 with Melbourne University Lightning taking on the Bendigo Strikers. Both sides have had spectacular seasons with 13 and 12 wins respectively, and this hit out could determine who finishes second on the ladder. The goalers will go head-to-head with Lightning’s Kate O’Dwyer and Strikers’ Mia McCrann-Peters expected to make major impacts on the scoreboard.
- Western Warriors are set to take on Boroondara Express in what promises to be a compelling contest after their last game ending in a draw of 41-all. If Ella Closter scores over 30 goals for the Warriors, they’re likely to clinch the win. However, if Jacinta McGinley can establish front position and start picking off tips in Express’ favour, they’ll come out on top.
- The City West Falcons will host North East Blaze in what will be a tightly contested clash. Seven goals separated the sides in Round 7 with Blaze victorious, but the Falcons have since found their combinations and pose a real threat across the court. Amelia Holland will steer the ship with her speed and decision making key to the Falcons’ flow in attack. She’ll be directly against Blaze’s Ayva Tanfara whose aerial skills and tracking ability can quiet any midcourt.
ONE TO WATCH
Ella Harvey captains Boroondara Express' 23&U team and brings versatility in the midcourt, capable of playing both centre and wing attack. She debuted in the VNL with Express in 2022 and was named captain in the same year. Harvey was also a training partner for the Victorian 19/U state team in 2021 and 2022. A consistent presence in the Express lineup, she was promoted to Division One in 2023 and continues to showcase her skills with the 23&U side. Known for her fierce competitiveness, Harvey’s quick footwork and sharp ball speed makes her a crucial asset in Boroondara’s midcourt.
