The 2025 VNL Finals series continued with thrilling, nail-biting matches as teams battled fiercely to stay in the competition. The teams have now been confirmed for the grand finals with four different clubs represented across the 23&U and Championship divisions.
City West Falcons will enter their fourth consecutive Championship grand final, searching for the four-peat, after knocking out Boroondara Express to meet Hawks Netball in the decider. In 23&U, Melbourne University Lightning have redeemed themselves against North East Blaze to progress into the grand final against Geelong Cougars.
Tickets to the grand finals are on sale now
KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- The reigning premiers City West Falcons have secured a spot in the Championship grand final for the fourth consecutive season with a six-goal triumph over Boroondara Express, continuing their search for a four-peat. In a game full of momentum swings, the defensive skills on show highly elevated the intensity of the game. Taylah Brown’s work on the body saw Falcons stumble in attack, interrupting their flow with her five gains converted by Isabelle Hodgson (26 goals, 92%). The major break saw Express lead by two goals, heading into the second half full of confidence. The Falcons bounced back to find their momentum and maintain it throughout the fourth quarter. Their defensive pressure through Charity Nasalio and Sophie Hanrahan forced Express to take the long shots which just weren’t landing, with the Falcons defensive duo picking up four key rebounds. Knowing the season was on the line, Hanrahan kicked it up another gear in the fourth quarter with her second efforts making the difference for the Falcons, finishing the game with 11 deflections, four gains and three intercepts. Her tracking and elevation to win the aerial ball put doubt into the Express attackers minds, sending Boroondara into panic mode when the scoreline started to get away from them.
23&Under
- For the first time this season, Melbourne University Lightning have defeated North East Blaze to lock in a spot in the 23&U grand final. In doing so, Lightning handed the minor premiers their lowest score of the season thanks to a dominant second half. There was no breaking up Lightning’s structures with their attack and defence working seamlessly. After a close first quarter, the injection of Annecy Lyon (19 goals, 100%) for the Lightning turned the game on its head with the goal attack’s movement around the circle and clutch long range shooting giving her side all the confidence they needed. She rewarded the efforts of Tilly Shepherd and Dayna Williams in defence who made Blaze crumble under pressure. Ava Upton’s grit in wing attack got Blaze back in the contest before the major break with her knowledge of the shooting circle coming to light. The usual goaler knew the perfect place to put the feed while also providing great depth on second phase. A 22-10 third quarter saw Blaze drop their heads in defeat with Lightning winning the mental battle. Once the Lightning got on a run, they didn’t look like making mistakes, despite everything Blaze was trying in defence. They were able to utilise their whole bench to give them the finals experience, whereas Blaze’s changes were reactive, trying to find answers.
RESULTS
Championship
City West Falcons (61) vs (55) Boroondara Express
23&Under
North East Blaze (46) vs (64) Melbourne University Lightning
NEXT UP – Grand final
Wednesday 6 August
23&U – 6.50pm
Geelong Cougars vs Melbourne University Lightning
Championship – 8.20pm
Hawks Netball vs City West Falcons
Tickets for next week’s grand finals are on sale now.
