KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- Major Semi Final: The City West Falcons have flown into their fourth grand final appearance in five seasons after a compelling 23-goal victory over Boroondara Express. After a tightly contested opening quarter, the Falcons stepped on the gas to blow out their one-goal margin with a 23-11 second quarter spearheaded by goaler Jane Cook (65 goals, 100% accuracy). The Falcons remained the superior side in the second half with a feeding masterclass from Montana Holmes and Maggie Lind, nullifying Express who threw every combination at them. Having finished second on the ladder, Express has another chance to earn a grand final spot against Hawks Netball in the preliminary final next week.
- Minor Semi Final: Hawks Netball move ahead in their finals campaign after a controlled seven-goal win over North East Blaze, putting an end to their season. The Hawks shot out to a 16-12 first quarter and held their lead at every point of the match after defensive brilliance from Kirsty Clark and Chloe Duke. Veteran goaler Kaylia Stanton was once again dominant with her 42 goals at 95% accuracy, and combined well with Annabelle Gorman (10 goals, 63%) and Lorna Clark at wing attack. Blaze look to 2025 with plenty to work on, after suffering five consecutive losses to end their season.
23&Under
- Major Semi Final: Hawks Netball makes history as the first team into the inaugural 23&U grand final, after a thumping 30-goal win over MU Lightning. Defensive brilliance from Georgie O’Brien, Olivia Barnett and Emma Storey suppressed the Lightning attack to just 34 goals, and turned over a mountain of ball for Dominique Taylor to score 43 goals at 90% accuracy. The Hawks’ perfect 60-minute performance sends a strong message to the remaining teams – they’ll be a juggernaut to overcome in the grand final.
- Minor Semi Final: North East Blaze have survived a thrilling two-goal win over the City West Falcons to progress to the preliminary final next week, where they’ll face Lightning. Blaze held control for the first three quarters until the Falcons rallied to eat up a 12-goal deficit in the final 15 minutes. Led by Amalani Fauonuku (28 goals, 90%) the Falcons closed the margin to a single goal in the 59th minute, before Blaze’s cool heads prevailed with a goal from Olivia Cawthray (39 goals, 85%) sealing the deal.
RESULTS
Championship
City West Falcons (77) vs (54) Boroondara Express
Hawks Netball (54) vs (47) North East Blaze
23&Under
Hawks Netball (64) vs (34) MU Lightning
North East Blaze (51) vs (49) City West Falcons
HOT SHOT LEADERBOARDS
Will be awarded at VNL awards night on 18 August
NEXT UP – PRELIMINARY FINALS
Wednesday 31 July
State Netball Centre, Parkville
7.00pm - 23&U
MU Lightning vs North East Blaze*
8.45pm - Championship
Boroondara Express vs Hawks Netball**
*The 23&U preliminary final will broadcast live on Kommunity TV and Netball Victoria Facebook
**The championship division preliminary final will broadcast live and exclusively on KommunityTV – Subscription required (access is free for existing Herald Sun subscribers).
VNL finals tickets can be purchased at the venue, with adult tickets $5 and $2 for children (16 & under).
VNL AWARDS NIGHT
The 2024 VNL Awards Night will be held on Sunday 18 August at 6.00pm at Rivers Edge in Docklands. For tickets, click here.
