KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- The Western Warriors set the tone early, taking control in the opening quarter and holding on for a composed win over the Geelong Cougars. Despite a strong second-quarter response from the Cougars, closing the margin to just one at halftime, the Warriors steadied and reasserted control in the second half. In a match dominated by defensive pressure, both teams created turnover opportunities and made them count. The turning point came with Ruby Shannon's move into centre, delivering precision feeds to Rebecca Hicks, who finished with 49 goals at 92%. At the opposite end, Emma Buwalda kept the Cougars in the contest with 35 goals (83%).
- In a tightly contested clash, Hawks Netball clawed their way to a four-goal win over North East Blaze after trailing by seven goals. Blaze had a dominant 20–12 first quarter, but a crucial nine-goal run from the Hawks got them back into the contest. A disciplined full-court defensive effort laid the foundation for the Hawks’ comeback, while Eryn Stocker steered the attack with poise. Her timing on the centre pass, smart drives to the circle edge and vision into the circle kept the Hawks in control during key moments.
- A commanding display by the Casey Demons saw them secure a 25-goal win over the Gippsland Stars by putting together a complete four quarter performance. Multiple five-goal runs throughout the match allowed the Demons to build and extend their lead with confidence. Emma Ryde was once again a standout under the post, finishing with 50 goals at 94%, fed by Liv Hamilton’s precise delivery. While Chloe Radford provided sparks for the Stars with her speed and ball movement, the defensive pairing of Gabby Dwyer and Ella Rees proved too strong, shutting down Gippsland’s attacking options with clinical execution.
23&Under
- A fast start for the Melbourne University Lightning put the pressure on the Bendigo Strikers early. The Lightning jumped to a seven-goal lead before the Strikers turned to Mia McCrann-Peters at goal shooter. Her 31 goals at 100% gave the team confidence to convert from turnovers and reduce the deficit. Millie Hogg’s sharp movement and well-timed drives created crucial space for the Lightning attack. Kate O’Dwyer made the most of those openings, converting 36 goals (90%) to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
- The City West Falcons has made it three consecutive wins with an 11-goal triumph over the Peninsula Waves—marking their first ever victory against the Waves in the 23&Under division. A dominant 11-goal run in the opening term set up the win, with the Falcons maintaining their composure across all four quarters. Holly Adams-Alcock impressed with 21 goals at 95% and showcased her growing defensive presence in the goal attack role by consistently disrupting opposition play. Charlize Gabel Joseph remained a reliable target under the post for the Waves, finishing with 26 goals at 92%, while Mackenzie Oracz displayed her adaptability, rotating through all three midcourt positions.
- A goal on the final siren from Boroondara Express sealed a thrilling draw with the Southern Saints. The Saints started strongly, taking a four-goal lead into the first break, but Express steadily chipped away at the margin across each quarter. With the game on the line, Express applied enough pressure to force a turnover and convert the final two goals, levelling the score in the dying seconds. Tallulah Lewis and Jacinta McGinley were key disruptors in defence, consistently breaking up the Saints’ attacking rhythm, while Express showed composure to control possession in critical moments. For the Saints, Hayley Howard (41 goals, 95%) put on the scoreboard pressure and Camille Brownjohn played a pivotal role transitioning into attack.
RESULTS
Championship
Casey Demons (67) vs (42) Gippsland Stars
City West Falcons (75) vs (51) Peninsula Waves
Hawks Netball (58) vs (54) North East Blaze
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (49) vs (63) Boroondara Express
Bendigo Strikers (55) vs (45) Melbourne University Lightning
Western Warriors (60) vs (57) Geelong Cougars
23&Under
Casey Demons (63) vs (37) Gippsland Stars
City West Falcons (59) vs (48) Peninsula Waves
Hawks Netball (47) vs (63) North East Blaze
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (53) vs (53) Boroondara Express
Bendigo Strikers (56) vs (59) Melbourne University Lightning
Western Warriors (49) vs (63) Geelong Cougars
HOT SHOT LEADERBOARDS
Championship
- 655 – Jane Cook (Falcons)
- 520 – Emma Ryde (Demons)
- 464 – Ashlea Mawer (Hawks)
23&Under
- 511 – Olivia Cawthray (Blaze)
- 340 – Hayley Howard (Saints)
- 333 – Charlize Gabel Joseph (Waves)
NEXT UP – ROUND 12
Wednesday 4 June
Peninsula Waves vs Gippsland Stars (Frankston)
North East Blaze vs Western Warriors
Boroondara Express vs Bendigo Strikers
Geelong Cougars vs Casey Demons
City West Falcons vs Hawks Netball
Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Melbourne University Lightning
