Round 10 proves to be a massive round with a top four clash in both Division 1 and Championship with the Geelong Cougars taking on the North East Blaze. Geelong are currently sitting two games clear on the top of the ladder in the Championship division while City West Falcons will be hoping to create some breathing room in the 19/Under division.
Fixture
City West Falcons v Hawks Netball
Wilson Storage Southern Saints v Casey Demons
Melbourne University Lightning v Boroondara Express
North East Blaze v Geelong Cougars
Peninsula Waves v Ariels
Championship- Tayissa Coppinger
Tayissa Coppinger will play her 200th VNL game for North East Blaze this weekend when they take on the Geelong Cougars. Coppinger has been an instrumental part of the Blaze team since she first joined the club all the way back in 2009, having come through the Blaze VNL pathway, playing in 19/Under for the Blaze. The club captain can play across the two defensive positions and go out to wing defence. Coppinger has created a formidable partnership with Kaitlyn Black which was on show when the Blaze came up against the Peninsula Waves a few weeks ago, with Coppinger having a good read on the ball. She’s great on defensive transition using her speed and precision passing to get the ball into the attacking third.
Division 1- Stacie Gardiner
Coming off a milestone match last week, having played her 150th VNL game at the Peninsula Waves, Gardiner has been integral since joining the club back in 2010. Gardiner brings speed to the midcourt and around the circle edge and has great connection with the goalers, having spent a lot of time this season in the goal circle. When spending time in the circle, she’s struck up a formidable partnership with Helen Margaret-Ashin with the pair creating a moving circle that keeps opposition defenders guessing. Gardiner will be raring to go when the Waves come up against the Ariels on Sunday.
19/Under- Eliza Molino
Eliza Molino has been a rock in defence for Hawks Netball this season, winning plenty of ball back for her team. Molino has a great read on the play to get in the right place and pick off intercepts to win possession back for her team. Molino isn’t afraid to go out for the fly and take those intercepts, which is something fans have seen at both VNL level and at National Championships last month. At her best Molino is incredibly hard to get past, causing headaches for many goalers. Molino will be up for the challenge when the Hawks take on ladder leaders in the City West Falcons.
