KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- The match: Boroondara Express have earned back-to-back grand final appearances after downing Hawks Netball in a strong victory. Breaking open a 10-goal lead by half time, Express goalers Ruby Barkmeyer (15 goals, 65% accuracy) and Isabelle Hodgson (36 goals, 90%) combined seamlessly from the first whistle, and were bookended by a dominant defensive display from Sarah Szczykulski. The goal keeper’s formidable performance was vital to quelling the impact of Hawks shooter Kaylia Stanton (32 goals, 86%) and placing doubt on the feed. The Hawks rallied in the final quarter off the back of defenders Chloe Duke and Kirsty Clark, who capitalised on every moment of hesitation from Express by drawing offensive contacts, scrapping for rebounds and taking control of the ball in transition. A shooting blitz from Stanton and Jessica Tetley (14 goals, 88%) in the final minutes was only enough to scare Express’ rowdy fan base, as they fell just short of turning the result.
- Next up: While they looked slick last night, Express face the monumental task of taking on reigning premiers the City West Falcons in the grand final, just two weeks after suffering a 23-goal defeat to them in the major semi final.
23&Under
- The match: North East Blaze have flown into the grand final after overcoming Melbourne University Lightning in a match for the ages. The extra time thriller was marked by defensive brilliance from both teams, with Lightning goal keeper Charlee Kemp taking a number of clutch intercepts to keep her side in the contest. There was no clear leader in the 60-minute tug-of-war, which was equally a coaching chess match as it was a physical spectacle. The battle between Blaze keeper Eliza Molino and Lightning target Claire Oakley (31 goals, 89% accuracy) set the tone of the match, while midcourters Taiysha Wallis (Blaze) and Kirby Elliott (Lightning) scrapped for every loose ball. After trailing in the fourth, a last-minute fightback from Lightning off the back of intercepts from Elliott and Kemp sent the match into a frantic 14 minutes of extra time. But it was Blaze’s cool heads that prevailed after a match-winning intercept from Molino gave them a last-minute lead, and ultimately sent them to the inaugural 23&U grand final.
- Next up: Blaze must ride their wave of momentum when they face Hawks Netball in the grand final, and can take confidence from being the only side to conquer them previously in 2024.
RESULTS
Championship
Boroondara Express (51) vs (47) Hawks Netball
23&Under
Melbourne University Lightning (67) vs (68) North East Blaze
HOT SHOT LEADERBOARDS
Will be awarded at VNL awards night on 18 August
NEXT UP – GRAND FINAL
Wednesday 7 August
State Netball Centre, Parkville
6.50pm - 23&U
Hawks Netball vs North East Blaze*
8.20pm - Championship
City West Falcons vs Boroondara Express **
*The 23&U grand final will broadcast live on Kommunity TV and Netball Victoria Facebook
**The championship division grand final will broadcast live on Kayo and KommunityTV – Subscription required (access is free for existing Herald Sun subscribers).
TICKETS
VNL finals tickets can be purchased at the venue, with adult tickets $8 and $4 for concession and children (16 & under).
VNL AWARDS NIGHT
The 2024 VNL Awards Night will be held on Sunday 18 August at 6.00pm at Rivers Edge in Docklands. Buy tickets
