Round 16 of the Victorian Netball League marked First Nations Round, honouring the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to sport, especially netball in Victoria. Netball Victoria remains dedicated to its Reconciliation journey, striving to remove barriers and create equal opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout the state.
KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- A determined Casey Demons outfit got them over the line for a five-goal win over Hawks Netball. The Demons jumped out to an early six-goal lead, but the Hawks fought back to level the score at the last break. Casey showcased their composure to hold off the Hawks after a back-and-forth battle. Gabby Dwyer led the Demons defence by winning ball early and worked as a unit alongside Ella Rees. Olivia Barnett stood tall in defence for the Hawks, playing a key role in clawing back the deficit.
- Boroondara Express has claimed a convincing win against Gippsland Stars. A strong start saw Express take a 19-5 lead into the first break thanks to their suffocating defence. Boroondara’s Isabelle Hodgson was clinical at the post, shooting 39 goals at 92%, with her timing and pops on the baseline seamless. It was tough getting the ball past Sarah Szczykulski, with the Express defender on top of every pass while shutting down her opponent. Katie Fone’s vision and patience with the ball saw the Stars chip away at the scoreline, but it wasn’t enough as Express proved too good.
- After a tightly fought first half, the Bendigo Strikers surged ahead to defeat the Western Warriors. Only one goal separated the two sides until Bendigo produced a 23-7 third quarter, making it difficult for the Warriors to get back into the contest. Gabe Richards’ availability at the post was vital in the Strikers’ success, shooting 40 goals at 97%. She was fed well by Emma Walters who had a tough battle against Sarah Croft, with the midcourters matching each other on speed.
23&Under
- North East Blaze held off a tough fight back from Melbourne University Lightning in a possible grand final preview. The Lightning responded in the third quarter to take the lead, but it was Blaze who capitalised from their gains to come out one-goal victors. Tilly Shepherd won ball in critical moments for the Lightning, with the attack showcasing their patience with Annecy Lyon composed at the post. Blaze’s Eliza Molino and Ayva Tanfara caused headaches in defence, with Tanfara tracking her opponent and getting up high to pick off the intercept in the pocket.
- The Southern Saints secured a victory over the Peninsula Waves in a tightly contested match. Only three goals separated the teams at the last break, but a 20-11 fourth quarter solidified the win for the Saints. Saints skipper Zoe Leaver showcased her versatility in the midcourt with strong drives, courtcraft and accurate feeds playing a pivotal role for the Saints. Waves shooter Charlize Gabel Joseph (35 goals, 87%) continued to be a dominant target for the feeders.
- The City West Falcons have solidified their place in finals after a 49-38 win over the Geelong Cougars, who sit securely behind in sixth. Cougars’ Charli Hoey stood tall in defence winning ball in tight moments, but was unable to be converted at the post. The Falcons’ partnership between Mikaela Minns and Achel Yout continues to grow and pose a threat to a mobile or holding circle.
- A tale of two halves saw the Bendigo Strikers come away victors over the Western Warriors. The Warriors were in control of the match, leading by four goals at halftime, but the Strikers managed at dominant 19-12 third quarter. Shae Clifford’s work rate in the midcourt helped the Strikers take and maintain the lead, while Warriors’ shooter Ella Closter had another terrific outing at the post with 41 goals at 93%.
RESULTS
Championship
Casey Demons (56) vs (51) Hawks Netball
Melbourne University Lightning (51) vs (65) North East Blaze
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (77) vs (54) Peninsula Waves
Gippsland Stars (31) vs (68) Boroondara Express
Bendigo Strikers (70) vs (51) Western Warriors
Geelong Cougars (39) vs (71) City West Falcons
23&Under
Casey Demons (45) vs (53) Hawks Netball
Melbourne University Lightning (54) vs (55) North East Blaze
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (70) vs (58) Peninsula Waves
Gippsland Stars (45) vs (58) Boroondara Express
Bendigo Strikers (59) vs (54) Western Warriors
Geelong Cougars (38) vs (49) City West Falcons
HOT SHOT LEADERBOARDS
Will remain undisclosed for the final four rounds
NEXT UP – ROUND 17
Wednesday 9 July
Hawks Netball vs Peninsula Waves
Gippsland Stars vs Geelong Cougars
Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Casey Demons
Melbourne University Lightning vs Bendigo Strikers (Thornbury)
City West Falcons vs North East Blaze (Altona)
Sunday 13 July
Western Warriors vs Boroondara Express (Cobblebank)
