FIXTURE
Monday 28 April
Boroondara Express vs Western Warriors
Wednesday 30 April
Melbourne University Lightning vs Casey Demons
Peninsula Waves vs Hawks Netball
North East Blaze vs City West Falcons
Gippsland Stars vs Wilson Storage Southern Saints
Bendigo Strikers vs Geelong Cougars
BROADCAST
Netball Victoria Facebook
Melbourne University Lightning vs Casey Demons
7pm – Championship
8.30pm – 23&U
KommunityTV
Peninsula Waves vs Hawks Netball
7pm – Championship
8.30pm – 23&U
**Access is free for existing Herald Sun subscribers.
ROUND HIGHLIGHTS
Championship
- The Casey Demons are coming off an important win, while Melbourne University Lightning will be looking to get back on track. This season, Lightning has added three defenders to their lineup who will be facing tall shooter Emma Ryde for the first time. Emma Winfield has established herself as the starting goal attack for Lightning, forming a strong connection with the midcourt in this young Championship team.
- Hawks Netball have started the season strongly and will aim to keep that momentum going against the Peninsula Waves. The return of Lauren Spinks has been a boost for the Waves, with her shooting range and movement in the circle proving to be their best option in attack. A key midcourt battle is expected between Sienna Green and Issy Rebecca.
- City West Falcons remain undefeated this season and will be aiming to extend that streak against North East Blaze. Both teams are coming off strong, convincing wins, so they'll head into this clash full of confidence. Blaze’s Kali Dolphin faces a tough challenge, tasked with disrupting the connection between Maggie Lind and star shooter Jane Cook, who currently leads the Hot Shot leaderboard by 106 goals. Lind is comfortable delivering feeds from the centre third, so Dolphin’s defensive pressure will need to be immediate and relentless.
23&Under
- Both the Bendigo Strikers and Geelong Cougars are inside the top four, each with five wins so far this season. Charlize Bellette and Eliza Dunell have been reliable in the shooting circle for the Cougars, but they’ll need to overcome the reach and game-reading ability of Eliza Mooney. The Cougars are known for finishing games strongly, while the Strikers are recognised for delivering a steady, four-quarter performance.
- The Gippsland Stars and Southern Saints will face off in search of their first win of the season. A key matchup between the Stars’ Grace van Tilburg and the Saints’ Camille Brownjohn is likely to shape the outcome, with van Tilburg emerging as the Stars’ main scoring threat. Brownjohn’s partnership with Lenna Bruun has come together quickly, with both defenders showing a fearless approach to contests.
- North East Blaze and City West Falcons feature key matchups across the court, setting the stage for a tightly contested game that either side could win. Mikaela Minns has been a standout in defence for the Falcons and will be tasked with containing Blaze shooter Olivia Cawthray, who currently leads the scoring charts. Both players are strong in the air, so it could come down to who can attack the ball with two hands at the right moment.
ONE TO WATCH
Charli Hoey is the captain of the Geelong Cougars 23&U side and has been a force to be reckoned with. The 19/U Victorian captain was recently named in the 19/U Australian squad to cap off her underage nationals journey. Her closing speed and netball smarts has been recognised by the Melbourne Mavericks, signing her as a training partner for the 2025 season. A premiership player in 2023, Hoey will be preparing for another finals campaign in 2025 with the Cougars who currently sit third on the ladder.
