The 2025 VNL season has concluded with the City West Falcons and Melbourne University Lightning lifting the trophy in their respective divisions.
The Falcons defeated Hawks Netball in a thrilling 10-goal turnaround to win their fourth consecutive premiership in the Championship division. In 23&U, Lightning produced a dominant performance against the Geelong Cougars to take out their first 23&U premiership.
KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- In what felt like the unthinkable for the majority of the match, the City West Falcons have won their fourth consecutive premiership in a two-goal thriller over Hawks Netball. Hawks stamped their authority early, converting from the first turnover of the game and continued to establish their dominance with an eight-goal lead at halftime. Chloe Duke’s footwork and hunger for the ball in defence put doubt into the Falcons feeders minds. The rotation of Keighley Starrett and Eryn Stocker in the Hawks midcourt kept the engine running, with the duo carving up the attack end. They weren’t afraid to work the ball back to penetrate forward into Ashlea Mawer who finished the game with 46 goals at 100%. By the major break, confidence was high in the Hawks camp with the Falcons looking like they were out of answers, until Lucia Fauonuku was introduced into wing defence. The overall Falcons defence shifted up a gear with Sophie Hanrahan wearing down the Hawks shooting circle. Fauonuku’s impact was instrumental, quieting down the Hawks midcourt significantly, and not letting them have the flow they had in the first half. This helped the Falcons peg back the deficit to three goals with belief still within the group. The defensive pressure from both sides in the decider was massive, with numerous held balls illustrating the intensity of the game. A five-goal run to the Falcons came off the back of player of the match Olivia Cameron and Maggie Lind getting their hands in defensively. Their ball movement and directness in attack saw the scoreline get closer with the experienced players up against the likes of Georgie O’Brien and Kirsty Clark in defence who won ball at critical times. A crucial rebound to Charity Nasalio was converted by the Falcons in the matter of seconds with the their centre pass to follow, setting the team in red alight. Jane Cook (56 goals, 94%) managed to score the sealer, with the Falcons claiming the ultimate prize for the fourth year in a row.
23&Under
- Melbourne University Lightning has taken out the 23&U premiership in a dominant performance led by defence against the Geelong Cougars. It was the battle of the goal keepers with Geelong’s Charli Hoey and Lightning’s Tilly Shepherd both having outstanding hit outs. Hoey’s six gains, eight deflections and three intercepts gave her side plenty of opportunities to punish on the scoreboard, but Shepherd was standing in their way. Shepherd’s partnership with Dayna Williams wore down the Cougars’ attack with Williams’ work rate and tight defence giving Shepherd the chance to hunt for ball. Shepherd’s clean movement around the body and read of the play saw her earn player of the match with 10 gains, six deflections and three intercepts to her name. Back and forth scoring in the first quarter showcased the skills the players were putting out on court with Geelong’s Madeline Mickovski and Lightning’s Montaya Sardi standouts in the midcourt. Annecy Lyon’s injection into goal attack brought the flair that Lightning needed in attack. Her movement outside of the circle opened space for Kate O’Dwyer (33 goals, 91%) in the back who took the ball strongly and confidently, not leaving much room for the Cougars defence to create turnovers. The Lightning found their groove in the second quarter, winning it 11-15 to take the lead by one goal at half time. The change of Keeley Smith brought physicality into the Cougars’ defence, forcing the Lightning to work harder in attack and work the ball around. When the Lightning managed to get a handy lead, the Cougars would respond well, get right back into the contest and reduce the margin. Louise Shaw was consistent in the Cougars’ midcourt with her speed and powerful drives carving up the attack end. It all fell apart for the Cougars in the fourth quarter with Lightning putting their foot down, winning the term 8-16. The Lightning managed to get all their players on the court in an exceptional moment for the club to take home the 23&U premiership.
RESULTS
Championship
Hawks Netball (58) vs (60) City West Falcons
Player of the Match: Olivia Cameron (Falcons)
23&Under
Geelong Cougars (42) vs (54) Melbourne University Lightning
Player of the Match: Tilly Shepherd (Lightning)
