FIXTURE
Wednesday 1 May
State Netball Centre, Parkville
- North East Blaze vs Boroondara Express
- City West Falcons vs Casey Demons
- MU Lightning vs Bendigo Strikers
- Hawks Netball vs Geelong Cougars
Friday 3 May
Mentone Grammar
- WS Southern Saints vs Western Warriors
Sunday 5 May
Frankston
- Peninsula Waves vs Gippsland Stars (23&U only; Waves Championship BYE)
BROADCAST
Wednesday 1 May
Netball Victoria Facebook
City West Falcons vs Casey Demons
7pm – Championship
8.30pm – 23&U
KommunityTV
North East Blaze vs Boroondara Express
7pm – 23&U
8.30pm – Championship
Subscription required (access is free for existing Herald Sun subscribers).
ROUND HIGHLIGHTS
Championship
Two undefeated sides go head-to-head when North East Blaze take on Boroondara Express. There’s plenty to play for in the top of the table clash with barely even percentage separating the two teams. Express’ attack line has been humming with Zali Anderson connecting beautifully with Bella Hodgson and Ruby Barkmeyer, and will come up against a tough defensive lineup of Tayissa Coppinger and Georgia Bowkett.
MU Lightning and Bendigo Strikers have both had fluctuating form in recent weeks, and will be looking to stabilise and stay in touch with the top 4. Claudia Mawson and Caitlin Hill had some great moments last week in the circle for Lightning and will face the challenge of in-form Strikers’ defender Charlotte Sexton in her first season in the Championship division.
23&Under
The Hawks are currently sitting at the top of the table, and will be challenged by an in-form Cougars side who are coming off back-to-back wins. Hawks’ goaler Jess Tetley continues to dominate, fed well by Kaila Swindell and Sienna Green, with Emma Storey strong in defence. Mia Aitken, who recently captained the Victorian 17/U team at the National Netball Championships, has been key in defence for the Cougars.
Gippsland Stars pushed Saints for three quarters last week and will take confidence from that performance into their match against Peninsula Waves. Waves will need to shut down Chloe Radford and Paris Dunkley across the transverse line to nullify the Stars’ dominant goaler Myah Healey.
ONE TO WATCH
Boroondara Express’ attacking midcourter Zali Anderson is having an impact in 2024, an integral part of the ladder-leader's success to date. Hailing from Gippsland, Anderson represented Collingwood Magpies at ANC in 2023 and was selected for 2023 Australian 21/U squad. Her speed and vision into the circle provides plenty of highlights in attack for Express.
