The 2025 VNL Finals series continued with thrilling, nail-biting matches as teams battled fiercely to stay in the competition. For some, they are one step away from lifting the trophy; for others, it came to a heartbreaking halt.
Two teams have locked in a spot in the big dance with Hawks Netball progressing into the Championship grand final after overcoming the previously undefeated City West Falcons, while Boroondara Express ended Bendigo Strikers’ season. Geelong Cougars held on against North East Blaze to secure a spot in the grand final in the 23&U division. Melbourne University Lightning have another chance at glory, eliminating City West Falcons in the process.
Details on the finals structure and teams.
KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- Hawks Netball have done the unthinkable, handing City West Falcons their first loss of the season to progress into the grand final. This marks the Hawks’ first Championship grand final appearance since 2011, but their current squad brings plenty of finals experience, having secured premierships in both 23&U and Division 1 in recent years. Hawks won all four quarters, but it was their second quarter that really turned the tide, leading by five goals heading into the main break, and they continued building from there. The Falcons fought back into the game, but Chloe Duke’s presence in goal keeper for the Hawks was the game changer, getting the best of Jane Cook (47 goals, 97%). Sophie Hanrahan tried everything she could by contesting every ball and blocking front position, but Hawks’ composure in the fourth quarter was enough to silence the Falcons. Jess Tetley (14 goals, 82%) kept the ball moving with pace, using angles to open the Hawks’ goal circle with precise feeds into Ashlea Mawer who shot 46 goals at 100%.
- Boroondara Express have earnt a second chance with a confident win over the Bendigo Strikers. The defensive skills on court were evident from the get-go with gain after gain from both sides. Charlotte Sexton and Ruby Turner were impressive for the Strikers with their clean intercepts and deflections disrupting Boroondara’s attack. But it was Express who were able to convert from their turnovers with the combination of Ruby Barkmeyer and Isabelle Hodgson unbeatable. Barkmeyer was always three steps ahead of her opponent with her impeccable feeds into Hodgson and constant rotation around the circle catching the Strikers’ defenders off guard. Sarah Szczykulski was the barometer of Express’ lineup with her footwork and body positioning confusing the space, frustrating the Strikers attack.
23&Under
- The Geelong Cougars have booked themselves a place in the 23&U grand final in a hard-fought battle with North East Blaze. A 10-goal lead at half time seemed like enough for the Cougars, but seven unanswered goals from Blaze got them back into the game, challenging the Cougars until the final whistle. An intercept from Madeline Mickovski secured the victory for Geelong with Indi O’Connor (14 goals, 87%) converting at the post after Blaze tried to play around with the ball to wind the clock down. Charli Hoey and Mickovski caused havoc in the first half, with Blaze not able to penetrate the circle while throwing uncharacteristic passes under the pressure. The game turned for Blaze with the injection of Teaghan Coen into wing attack and the shift of Eliza Molino into goal defence. Molino brought a strong physical presence to O’Connor, who had been working tirelessly in attack and finding too much space.
- Consistency was key for Melbourne University Lightning as they progress into the preliminary final, ending the City West Falcons’ season. The Falcons played their best too early and just had no answers to everything the Lightning threw at them. When Amalani Fauonuku had ball in hand, the Falcons looked threatening with smooth circle rotations leading to goals. The Falcons’ attacking choices unravelled under pressure, with forced passes over Tilly Shepherd continually intercepted. Her aerial prowess punished those errors, constantly disrupting the Falcons’ flow. Montaya Sardi was a standout for Lightning with her relentless stamina driving the team to score 16 goals per quarter. Her defensive hustle on the circle edge, paired her with sharp attacking flair, left the Falcons’ midcourt scrambling and unable to contain her influence.
RESULTS
Championship
City West Falcons (49) vs (61) Hawks Netball
Boroondara Express (61) vs (49) Bendigo Strikers
23&Under
North East Blaze (52) vs (53) Geelong Cougars
Melbourne University Lightning (64) vs (47) City West Falcons
NEXT UP – Preliminary final
Wednesday 6 August
23&U
North East Blaze vs Melbourne University Lightning
Championship
City West Falcons vs Boroondara Express
Tickets for next week’s preliminary finals are on sale now.
Tickets to the grand finals will be available from 12pm on Thursday 7 August.
