It’s the second week of the 2025 VNL finals series where the major semi final will determine the first grand finalist in each division, with the loser given another chance in the preliminary final. The minor semi final will see one team progress to the preliminary final, with the other eliminated.
Tickets for week two are on sale now.
FIXTURE
Wednesday 30 July
Championship
Major semi:
- City West Falcons vs Hawks Netball
Minor semi:
- Boroondara Express vs Bendigo Strikers
23&U
Major semi:
- North East Blaze vs Geelong Cougars
Minor semi:
- Melbourne University Lightning vs City West Falcons
BROADCAST
All games will be streamed live on KommunityTV, with select games also on Facebook.
Exclusively on KommunityTV
7pm – 23&U
Melbourne University Lightning vs City West Falcons
8.45pm – Championship
City West Falcons vs Hawks Netball
**Access is free for existing Herald Sun subscribers.
Netball Victoria Facebook and KommunityTV
7pm – 23&U
North East Blaze vs Geelong Cougars
8.45pm – Championship
Boroondara Express vs Bendigo Strikers
ROUND HIGHLIGHTS
Championship
- The reigning premiers City West Falcons will face a mighty Hawks Netball, with a spot in the grand final up for grabs. This matchup has been one of the Falcons’ closest of the season, winning by two goals in Round 12. There’s no looking past the battle between Falcons scoring machine Jane Cook and Hawks defender Chloe Duke who knows how to put Cook under pressure. At the other end, Jess Tetley will need to make sure her shooting and feeds for the Hawks are perfect with Falcons’ Sophie Hanrahan always on the prowl for any loose ball.
- Boroondara Express has another chance at finals, as they face a confident Bendigo Strikers outfit. They’ve had close hit outs all season with Express taking the wins in Rounds 3 and 13 by one and three goals, but the Strikers look ready for the challenge. This season, Express has managed to seal the win in every game that Isabelle Hodgson has scored 40 goals or more, so she will be a key target for her side. The passing in Express’ attack needs to be flat and hard, to avoid a tenacious Zoe Davies who will be out hunting for any aerial ball.
23&Under
- North East Blaze and Geelong Cougars will battle it out for the first spot in the grand final. Six goals separated the sides in Round 9, but that says nothing about how this result will pan out, with both teams in immaculate form. Ava Lockwood’s speed will be needed to break through the Cougars defence with her drives opening the court. The influence of Louise Shaw in Geelong’s attack is key to their success, with the midcourter providing depth on second phase with a keen eye for the shooters in the circle.
- Melbourne University Lightning are searching for redemption against the City West Falcons to avoid elimination. Falcons are one of only two teams to defeat Lightning this season and will want to replicate that performance, heading into this game with the momentum. Amelia Holland will play a pivotal role in driving the Falcons, with her change of direction and accurate feeds boosting their confidence in attack. There will be a lot riding on Kate O’Dwyer to present herself strongly at post against a formidable defensive lineup.
