Netball Weekend Preview - Round 2, 2026
After a wet and wild Round 1, with a better forecast and a game under each team's belt, expect plenty of exhilarating contests in this week's A-Grade action!
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Bacchus Marsh
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vs
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North Ballarat
SATURDAY APRIL 18TH - 2.30PM @ MADDINGLEY PARK
Bacchus Marsh will host North Ballarat in what shapes as one of the standout clashes of Round 2.
Bacchus Marsh come into the contest full of confidence after back-to-back wins in Round 0 and Round 1, showing strong form and cohesion across the court.
However, they will be looking to turn the tables on North Ballarat, who had the upper hand in 2025, winning both encounters between the two sides.
North Ballarat also enter the match in impressive form, having secured a comfortable win over Ballarat in their opening game of the season.
With a talented and well-balanced lineup, they will be eager to continue their strong start and reinforce themselves as a serious contender in 2026.
Bacchus Marsh’s attacking end will be led by Kimberly Philipps and Jasmine Paama, whose combination has been a key factor in their early success.
Through the midcourt, Melissa Prismall and Eliza Moodie will be crucial in linking defence to attack, while Ella Logan adds defensive pressure.
In the back third, Caitlin Hendricksen and Avana Hobson will have an important role in limiting North Ballarat’s scoring opportunities.
North Ballarat boasts a dynamic attacking duo in Maddy Selmon and Poppy Douglass, supported by strong midcourt connection from Georgia Bodey and Kelsie Rainbow.
Defensively, Brydi Hutchinson, Milly Simpson and Maggie Smith will look to disrupt Bacchus Marsh’s flow and create turnover opportunities.
With both sides in strong early-season form, this matchup promises to be a high-quality contest.
Bacchus Marsh will be determined to break their recent run against North Ballarat, while the visitors will be equally motivated to maintain their dominance and continue their winning start to the season.
Expect a fast-paced and fiercely contested game at Maddingley Park.
Bacchus Marsh
GS - Kimberly Philipps
GA - Jasmine Paama
WA - Melissa Prismall
C - Eliza Moodie
WD - Ella Logan
GD - Caitlin Hendricksen
GK - Avana Hobson
SUB - Lauren Shankland
SUB - Remy Day
North Ballarat
GS: Maddy Selmon
GA: Poppy Douglass
WA: Georgia Bodey
C: Kelsie Rainbow
WD: Brydi Hutchinson
GD: Milly Simpson
GK: Maggie Smith
Sub: Maddie Fitzpatrick
Sub: Lilly Francis
Sub: Amy Wirth
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Ballarat
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vs
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Sebastopol
SATURDAY APRIL 18TH - 2.30PM @ ALFREDTON RESERVE
Ballarat take on Sebastopol in Round 2, with both sides showcasing new-look lineups in 2026 and eager to make their mark early in the season.
Sebastopol come into the clash full of confidence after a comfortable Round 1 victory and will be looking to build on that momentum.
Having also held the upper hand over Ballarat in both encounters last season, they’ll be keen to continue that strong run.
Ballarat, meanwhile, faced a tough opening match against North Ballarat and will be determined to respond.
With fresh faces across the court, they’ll be focused on building connection and cohesion, while demonstrating the potential within their lineup.
Ballarat’s shooting combination of Ava Richardson and Fionnuala McKeagney-Stubbs will be key to converting opportunities, with Ella Shannon and Xara Burge working hard through the midcourt to create attacking flow.
Defensively, Abbie O’Brien, Eliza Burge and Jacinta McKenzie will need to apply consistent pressure to slow Sebastopol’s scoring.
Sebastopol boast a strong and settled lineup, with Adut Manyiel and Laura Bell leading the way in attack.
Hannah Atkinson and Tahlia Watts will look to control the tempo through the midcourt, while Nikki Allen adds defensive pressure.
In the back third, Jami Luhrs and Alice Kain will aim to disrupt Ballarat’s attacking connections and generate turnover ball.
With Sebastopol riding early momentum and Ballarat eager to respond after Round 1, this matchup presents an intriguing contest.
Can Ballarat find their rhythm, or will Sebastopol continue their strong start to the season?
Ballarat
GS Ava Richardson
GA Fionnuala McKeagney-Stubbs
WA Ella Shannon
C Xara Burge
WD Abbie O'Brien
GD Eliza Burge
GK Jacinta McKenzie
SUB Famke Mccallum
SUB Sam Bakes
Sebastopol
GS - Adut Manyiel
GA - Laura Bell
WA - Hannah Atkinson
C - Tahlia Watts
WD - Nikki Allen
GD - Jami Luhrs
GK - Alice Kain
SUB - Makayla Wright
SUB - Taylor Finch
SUB - Sienna Muir
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Redan
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vs
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Sunbury
SATURDAY APRIL 18TH - 2.30PM @ CITY OVAL
Redan and Sunbury will both be hungry for a response in Round 2, with each side coming off a loss in their opening matches of the 2026 season.
Sunbury receive a timely boost with several players returning after competing at Netball Nationals last weekend.
Their inclusion adds depth, experience and composure to an already talented lineup, and they will be eager to bounce back strongly.
Redan, however, will be just as determined to make a statement.
With an impressive and well-rounded squad, they will be looking to go toe-to-toe with Sunbury and prove they can match it with one of the competition’s benchmark sides.
After dropping both encounters to Sunbury in 2025, Redan have added motivation to shift the narrative this season.
In attack, Redan will rely on the combination of Eva Manserra and Stella Kane, with Stacey Matthews and Grace Manserra driving the ball through the midcourt.
Defensively, Caitlin Farr, Sienna Manserra and Erin Riley will play a crucial role in applying pressure and generating turnovers.
Sunbury’s shooting duo of Caitlin Hill and Lani Fauonuku provides a strong presence in the circle, supported by Georgia Hellyer and Tayla Honey through the midcourt.
Defensively, Sarah Croft, Eliza Gollant and Elly Randall will be key in restricting Redan’s scoring opportunities, while their returning players add further strength and versatility to the lineup.
With both teams eager to get their first win on the board, expect a hard-fought and competitive contest.
Will Redan turn the tables on recent history, or can Sunbury bounce back with a strengthened lineup?
Redan
GS Eva Manserra
GA Stella Kane
WA Stacey Matthews
C Grace Manserra
WD Caitlin Farr
GD Sienna Manserra
GK Erin Riley
Sub Ashlee Smith
Sub Cassandra Peace
Sub Kirsten Andrich
Sunbury
GS Caitlin Hill
GA Lani Fauonuku
WA Georgia Hellyer
C Tayla Honey
WD Sarah Croft
GD Eliza Gollant
GK Elly Randall
Sub Charlize Bellette
Sub Abigail Inglis
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East Point
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vs
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Darley
SATURDAY APRIL 18TH - 2.30PM @ EASTERN OVAL
East Point face a tough challenge in Round 2 as they come up against reigning premiers Darley in a must-watch clash.
It hasn’t been the start East Point were hoping for, dropping their opening two matches of the season.
However, they will be determined to respond this week, focusing on building connection across the court and finding consistency within their dynamic lineup.
With plenty of talent at their disposal, this shapes as an opportunity to reset and gain momentum.
Darley, on the other hand, have picked up right where they left off in 2025.
The reigning premiers opened their 2026 campaign with a comfortable win over Sunbury and will be looking to maintain that momentum.
Having defeated East Point in both meetings last season, they will take confidence into this matchup.
East Point’s attacking end will see Keele Hillas and Jeremi Robinson combine in the goal circle, while Bridey McElligott and Rhiannon White will be key in driving the ball through the midcourt.
Defensively, Isabella Stevens, Sarah Augustine and Stella Geljon will need to apply strong pressure to disrupt Darley’s slick ball movement.
Darley’s strength lies in their balance across the court.
Sarah Crowley and Akira McCormack form a potent shooting combination, with Lucy Taylor and Montana Holmes providing class and control through the midcourt.
Defensively, Jaimee Smith, Anna Lawley and Matilda Elliot will look to create turnovers and limit East Point’s scoring opportunities.
East Point will be eager to turn the tide after two early losses and last year’s results against Darley, but they’ll need to be at their very best to challenge a side that continues to set the benchmark.
Can East Point respond, or will Darley continue their dominant run?
East Point
GS Keele Hillas
GA Jeremi Robinson
WA Bridey McElligott
C Rhiannon White
WD Isabella Stevens
GD Sarah Augustine
GK Stella Geljon
SUB Lily McGuinness
SUB Abby Kinnersly
SUB Tess Geljon
Darley
GS – Sarah Crowley
GA – Akira McCormack
WA – Lucy Taylor
C – Montana Holmes
WD – Jaimee Smith
GD – Anna Lawley
GK – Matilda Elliot
SUB – Ava Densley
SUB – Ellie Martin
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Lake Wendouree
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vs
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Melton
SATURDAY APRIL 18TH - 2.30PM @ CE BROWN RESERVE
Lake Wendouree will look to continue their strong start to the 2026 season when they host Melton in Round 2, with both sides bringing contrasting momentum into the contest.
Lake Wendouree opened their season in dominant fashion, recording a very comfortable win and immediately stamping themselves as a side to watch early in 2026.
Confidence is high, and with a settled group across the court, they will be keen to build on that momentum.
Their recent history against Melton also works in their favour, having taken the points in both meetings in 2025.
Melton, however, return with a significantly strengthened lineup this week, with all players available and a clear hunger to respond after their opening round.
Expect a far more settled and competitive outfit as they look to test one of the competition’s in-form sides.
For Lake Wendouree, their attacking end will once again be led by Addison Funcke and Ebony Porter, who will look to capitalise on strong midcourt drive from Bella Clark and Sadie Cheesman.
In defence, Rosie Todd and Remi Hooper will be key in shutting down entries, with Kate Drew anchoring the goal circle and providing stability under pressure.
Melton’s goal circle will feature the dangerous combination of Hayley Masinalupe and Tiarna Lloyd, supported by Emily Jelesic and Amelia Cini through the midcourt, who will be responsible for controlling tempo and transition.
Defensively, Kiara Boyd and Felecia Resture will be tasked with disrupting Lake Wendouree’s flow, with Nadia Tupou providing a strong presence at goalkeeper.
With Lake Wendouree building momentum and Melton fielding a full-strength lineup for the first time this season, this shapes as a genuine test for both sides.
Can Lake Wendouree continue their early-season dominance, or will Melton’s strengthened lineup swing the momentum their way?
Lake Wendouree
GS Addison Funcke
GA Ebony Porter
WA Bella Clark
C Sadie Cheesman
WD Rosie Todd
GD Remi Hooper
GK Kate Drew
SUB Demi Thompson
SUB Emma Hawker
SUB Audrey Daomaille
Melton
GS Hayley Masinalupe
GA Tiarnah Lloyd
WA Emily Jelesic
C Amelia Cini
WD Kiara Boyd
GD Felecia Resture
GK Nadia Tupou
Sub Narena Barker
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