FIXTURE
Wednesday 13 March – State Netball Centre
Bendigo Strikers vs Gippsland Stars (23&U only; Strikers Championship BYE)
City West Falcons vs Hawks Netball
Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs North East Blaze
Casey Demons vs Melbourne University Lightning
Peninsula Waves vs Boroondara Express
Sunday 17 March – Torquay
Geelong Cougars vs Western Warriors
BROADCAST
Netball Victoria Facebook
City West Falcons vs Hawks Netball
7pm – 23&Under
8.30pm – Championship
KommunityTV
WS Southern Saints vs North East Blaze
7pm – Championship
8.30pm – 23&Under
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ROUND HIGHLIGHTS
Championship
North meets south as the Blaze take on the Saints in their first match-up of the year. The Saints have one of the strongest attacking ends in the competition featuring Melbourne Vixens squad members Emily Andrew and Lily Graham, so it’ll be up to Blaze’s defensive lineup – led by club stalwart Tayissa Coppinger – to disrupt the connections from circle edge.
23&Under
The two new regional clubs will go head-to-head in Round 2 as the Gippsland Stars face the Bendigo Strikers, each searching for their first win in the VNL competition. With both teams fielding sides that combine seasoned VNL players and emerging local talent, their inaugural clash will be a fascinating contest.
ONE TO WATCH
Returning to Australia and the VNL after a stint in the UK’s Netball Super League, former Melbourne Vixens goaler Sacha McDonald will be looking to put a stamp on the competition. McDonald’s height and mobility will present a tough challenge for MU Lightning’s long-time defensive pairing Gabby Coffey and Maggie Caris.
