KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- A composed win over the Bendigo Strikers has sent the Casey Demons into the top four. Despite strong defensive efforts from Charlotte Sexton, Ruby Turner and Milly Wicks, the Demons were clinical and capitalised on key moments with multiple three-goal runs. Defenders Gabby Dwyer and Ella Rees set the tone, helping push the lead out to 10 goals. In attack, Piuti Laban impressed with 13 goals, working smart angles and combining well with Olivia Hamilton around the circle.
- Boroondara Express have extended their dominant run with a commanding win over North East Blaze. Playing with cohesion and confidence, Express stuck with their starting seven for the full match, while Blaze searched for answers across the court. Relentless defensive pressure from Express stifled Blaze’s attacking rhythm as Express showcased their game intelligence from end to end, seamlessly transitioning from defence to attack. Isabelle Hodgson was a standout, owning the baseline with 37 goals at 92%, while Ruby Barkmeyer was equally effective through the middle channel, adding 20 goals at 86% in a familiar and formidable partnership.
- The Geelong Cougars are back on the winners list after a hard-fought eight-goal victory over the Peninsula Waves. In a tight contest, the Waves kept within touch and levelled the score multiple times, but the Cougars held firm, taking a four-goal buffer into the final break. Emma Buwalda (27 goals, 81%) kept composure at the post, while Kiahna Fallon’s relentless midcourt pressure was pivotal throughout. For the Waves, April Bethune led a courageous defensive effort, throwing herself into contests and was supported on the pickups.
23&Under
- After a closely contested first half, the Western Warriors shifted gears to pull away from the Southern Saints, securing a 15-goal win. Despite the Saints making multiple positional changes to stay in the contest, it was all Warriors after the main break. Ella Closter continued her stellar form under the post, shooting 49 goals at an impressive 87% to capitalise on the Warriors’ relentless defensive pressure. Goal keeper Grace Hay unsettled the Saints' attacking line, while the move of Kiara Boyd into goal defence intensified the pressure and generated key turnovers.
- Hawks Netball delivered a commanding performance to notch a 25-goal victory against the Gippsland Stars. Despite the Stars creating opportunities through strong midcourt pressure, the Hawks’ clinical finishing under the post proved decisive. They surged ahead with a dominant third quarter scoring 16 goals and maintained momentum in the fourth to add another 20 goals. Eloise Argoon hit her stride in the final term, taking control of the contest and shutting down Stars shooter Charlize Traumanis (19 goals, 82%) who has been integral this season.
- City West Falcons have climbed to sixth on the ladder, edging closer to the top four with a composed seven-goal win over Melbourne University Lightning. The Falcons made the most of their defensive gains, striking early and maintaining momentum throughout a disciplined four-quarter performance. Their cohesive team efforts kept errors to a minimum, even against a fierce Lightning outfit. Kate O’Dwyer was a standout for the Lightning, finishing with 25 goals at 100%, but the defensive pairing of Mikaela Minns and Achel Yout proved too strong, anchoring the Falcons’ defensive end and securing crucial gains.
RESULTS
Championship
Bendigo Strikers (50) vs (57) Casey Demons
City West Falcons (83) vs (50) Melbourne University Lightning
Geelong Cougars (56) vs (48) Peninsula Waves
Gippsland Stars (35) vs (61) Hawks Netball
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (67) vs (47) Western Warriors
North East Blaze (49) vs (57) Boroondara Express
23&Under
Bendigo Strikers (56) vs (53) Casey Demons
City West Falcons (58) vs (51) Melbourne University Lightning
Geelong Cougars (56) vs (47) Peninsula Waves
Gippsland Stars (42) vs (67) Hawks Netball
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (50) vs (65) Western Warriors
North East Blaze (63) vs (45) Boroondara Express
HOT SHOT LEADERBOARDS
Championship
- 608 – Jane Cook (Falcons)
- 470 – Emma Ryde (Demons)
- 417 – Ashlea Mawer (Hawks)
23&Under
- 457 – Olivia Cawthray (Blaze)
- 307 – Charlize Gabel Joseph (Waves)
- 299 – Hayley Howard (Saints)
NEXT UP – ROUND 11
Sunday 25 May
Casey Demons vs Gippsland Stars (Cranbourne East)
Wednesday 28 May
City West Falcons vs Peninsula Waves
Hawks Netball vs North East Blaze
Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Boroondara Express
Bendigo Strikers vs Melbourne University Lightning
Western Warriors vs Geelong Cougars
