KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- Western Warriors delivered a clinical performance in both attack and defence, led by Simona Di Fillipo and Kim Borger, to come away with a 10-goal victory over Casey Demons. In the Warriors’ first match with no changes in the goal circle, Borger and goal attack Julia Woolley rewarded their coach with high accuracy (91% and 93% respectively).
- Boroondara Express and Hawks Netball fought out a thrilling 60 minutes of netball, with Express taking the points with a 2-goal win. Zali Anderson and Ruby Barkmeyer combined well for Express, edging out the Hawks’ attacking power of Kaylia Stanton and Annabelle Gorman.
- Bendigo Strikers played their best game of the season so far, suffering a narrow loss to third-placed North East Blaze. Teal Hocking, playing in her 50th VNL game, dominated in attack for Strikers with the aid of midcourters Meg Williams and Chelsea Sartori.
- In her 150th VNL appearance, defender Brooke Allan was dominant for Geelong Cougars and helped her side jump to second on the ladder. Saints fought hard, but the experienced combinations across the court for Cougars prevailed.
23&Under
- In a see-sawing match, Hawks continued their winning form against Boroondara Express. 2023 19&U MVP Sienna Green put on an impressive display through the midcourt, picking up intercepts and feeding the circle with ease despite the best efforts of Express’ Alice Astbury who fought hard to combat the Hawks midcourt.
- City West Falcons were able to rotate their full bench in a convincing win over Gippsland Stars. It was a battle of the goal shooters, with Falcon Holly Adams-Alcock putting up a massive 46 goals (90% accuracy) and at the other end Myah Healey scoring 26 of the Stars’ total of 40.
- North East Blaze put on another strong display, keeping their undefeated record alive in season 2024. Eliza Molino and Ella Tennant spearheaded the win, with commanding performances at each end of the court.
- Peninsula Waves hosted their first games at the redeveloped Jubilee Park Stadium in Frankston and showcased their talent in front of local fans. With all players taking to the court, the strong attacking connection between Waves’ midcourt and goalers put a lot of scoreboard pressure on Lightning. While Lightning ultimately claimed the win, impressive performances from goalers Charlize Gabel-Joseph and Olivia Ray showed Waves should not be taken lightly.
RESULTS
Championship
Casey Demons (58) – (68) Western Warriors
Geelong Cougars (55) – (43) WS Southern Saints
Bendigo Strikers (54) – (56) North East Blaze
Peninsula Waves (47) – (73) MU Lightning
Boroondara Express (56) – (54) Hawks Netball
*City West Falcons BYE
23&Under
City West Falcons (69) – (40) Gippsland Stars
Peninsula Waves (49) – (56) MU Lightning
Boroondara Express (40) – (55) Hawks Netball
Geelong Cougars (60) – (51) WS Southern Saints
Casey Demons (50) – (44) Western Warriors
Bendigo Strikers (43) – (68) North East Blaze
HOT SHOT LEADERBOARDS
Championship
1. 166 – Kim Borger (Warriors)
2. 158 – Emma Ryde (Casey)
3. 149 – Isabelle Hodgson (Express)
23&Under
1. 135 – Jess Tetley (Hawks)
=2. 112 – Tully Bethune (Cougars)
=2. 112 – Hayley Howard (Saints)
NEXT UP – ROUND 5
Wednesday 3 April
State Netball Centre, Parkville
Bendigo Strikers vs Peninsula Waves
Western Warriors vs City West Falcons
Geelong Cougars vs Gippsland Stars (23&U only; Cougars Championship BYE)
WS Southern Saints vs Boroondara Express
Darebin Stadium
MU Lightning vs North East Blaze
Casey
Casey Demons vs Hawks Netball
