Round 12 of the VNL kicks off on Wednesday night, with all the action to take place at the State Netball Centre in Parkville. It promises to be a good one across all three divisions, with highlights including an Australian netball legend returning to the court and the North East Blaze fighting to remain undefeated in Division 1.
Fixture
Hawks Netball vs Melbourne University Lightning
Geelong Cougars vs Peninsula Waves
Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Boroondara Express
Casey Demons vs City West Falcons
Ariels vs North East Blaze
Championship
For the first time since the 2019 Super Netball preliminary final, Melbourne Vixens and Australian Diamonds legend Renae Ingles will return to the netball court this week. Ingles will swap her Vixens dress for the navy and red as she takes to the court for the Casey Demons, up against the second placed City West Falcons. Ingles brings a wealth of experience to the Demons, the star midcourter boasting the 2013 Liz Ellis Diamond, plus Commonwealth Games and World Cup gold medals to her name. Ingles will be working with the likes of Sharni Lambden, Liv Macente and Christie Uri in the Demons midcourt which is sure to cause headaches for any opposition.
Division 1
Mia Washington has been a strong option for the Wilson Storage Southern Saints in the goal circle this season. Washington is a playmaker with the ability to bring the players around her into the game and is also extremely accurate to post, able to shoot from right under the post and sink long range shots as well. Her accuracy makes her tough to combat for defenders, and creates a nice combination with fellow goaler Lilia Capone. Washington will be raring to go as the sixth placed Saints take on the seventh placed Boroondara Express on Wednesday night.
19/Under
Tara Watson has been a key player in the North East Blaze’s 19/Under side this season. Watson is a defensive midcourter who has been effective in shutting down the opposition's wing attack by going body-on-body to create doubt. Watson can also move into centre to bring speed into the Blaze’s front end - her closing speed is also a highlight of her game, often able to come up with a deflection or intercept for the Blaze. Watson and her teammates will need to be on their A-game when the side takes on Ariels on Wednesday night.
Tune in to watch selected Round 13 matches on the Netball Victoria Facebook page and Kayo Sports.
