With just two rounds of the VNL to go, the race for the last spots in the finals have started to heat up. A top of the table clash in the 19/Under between the City West Falcons and the Melbourne University Lightning is set to be a thriller while North East Blaze aim to make it a staggering 17 wins on the trot.
Fixture
Boroondara Express v Ariels
Casey Demons v Hawks netball
Peninsula Waves v North East Blaze
Wilson Storage Southern Saints v Geelong Cougars
City West Falcons v Melbourne University Lightning
Championship - Zoe Davies
There is no denying that Zoe Davies has been an important player for City West Falcons this season, acting as a real workhorse in the Falcons defence with her constant tips and deflections. Davies can play across both goal defence and wing defence often relying upon her vision and creativity with ball in hand to create magic down back for the Falcons. The tenacious defender isn't afraid to go out hunting for any high flying pass and utilises her footspeed to cleanly contest passes. Although her defensive work is impressive her transitional work is also an asset, helping to propel the ball down into attack and create scoring opportunities for her team.
Division 1 - Shannon Blackman
The captain of the Melbourne University Lightning side has made a huge impact in her first season in the blue dress. Coming from Casey Demons, Blackman has provided that run through the centre and is dangerous when the ball hits the circle edge. She stands up in the moments when her team needs her such as the clash against the Wilson Storage Southern Saints last week winning the ball back in a crucial moment in the game. Blackman also has a strong combination with Meg Matthews in wing attack with the pair creating a smooth transition down the court.
19/Under - Millie Hogg
Millie Hogg is a key player within the WIlson Storage Southern Saints line up, especially in the midcourt. Hogg is an attacking midcourter, that can play both centre and wing attack and brings an element of speed to the Saints attack. She’s really strong on the second phase and is crafty when the ball hits circle edge, able to spot a teammate with great ease. Hogg has developed a strong connection with teammates Lily Graham and Sophia Bloch having playing together since Under 11’s, making them hard to stop when on song.
