Netball Weekend Preview - Round 6, 2026
Round 6 signals a shift in the competition, with leading teams beginning to separate themselves while others look to reset following challenging Round 5 results.
Darley and North Ballarat continue to set the benchmark, while Sunbury’s narrow win over Sebastopol reinforces their finals credentials. Meanwhile, Lake Wendouree and Sebastopol face important bounce-back opportunities, and several mid-table clashes will play a key role in shaping the early finals race.
In Form: Darley, North Ballarat, Sunbury
Building: Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh
Seeking Response: Lake Wendouree, Sebastopol, Redan
Developing: Melton, East Point
Wildcard: Ballarat (growing confidence)
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Bacchus Marsh
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vs
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Sunbury
SATURDAY MAY 16TH - 2.30PM @ MADDINGLEY PARK
Momentum: Sunbury
Bacchus Marsh secured a strong 46–33 win over Redan, with their defensive pairing of Georgia Shattock and Avana Hobson continuing to develop and apply consistent pressure in the goal circle.
Their ability to contest strongly and generate turnover ball was a key feature of the performance.
In attack, Kimberly Phillips (30 goals @ 90%) was highly influential, providing a reliable focal point and converting efficiently under pressure.
With improving connection through the midcourt and greater balance across the court, Bacchus Marsh appear to be building consistency and will again look to Phillips to anchor their scoring output this week.
Sunbury enter with strong momentum following their impressive 54–51 win over Sebastopol.
Their shooting circle displayed excellent adaptability, with Caitlyn Hill setting the tone early before Lani Fauonuku took control through the middle quarters, highlighting both depth and composure under pressure.
Through the midcourt, Tayla Honey continues to provide stability and control, consistently disrupting opposition flow while linking effectively between defence and attack.
Defensively, Sunbury have also shown flexibility, with combinations including Charlize Bellett able to adjust and respond to different match situations, giving the side a well-rounded and dynamic structure heading into this week.
Key Match-Up
- Bacchus Marsh defence vs Sunbury shooting circle
What to Watch
- Sunbury’s scoring depth and rotation
- Bacchus Marsh’s ability to generate and convert turnover ball
Prediction
Sunbury’s versatility and current form give them the edge in a competitive matchup.
Bacchus Marsh Line-Up
GS: Kimberly Phillips
GA: Jasmine Paama
WA: Melissa Prismall
C: Eliza Moodie
WD: Ella Logan
GD: Georgia Shattock
GK: Avana Hobson
SUB: Olivia Phyland
SUB: Olivia Craske
SUB: Caitlin Hendricksen
Sunbury Line-Up
GS: Caitlyn Hill
GA: Lani Fauonuku
WA: Georgia Hellyer
C: Tayla Honey
WD: Abi Ingles
GD: Eliza Gollant
GK: Elly Randall
INT: Charlize Bellett, Ava Hellyer
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Melton
-
vs
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Ballarat
SATURDAY MAY 16TH - 2.30PM @ MACPHERSON PARK
Momentum: Ballarat
Ballarat continue to build confidence following their 55–38 win over East Point.
Dakota Blade remains a dominant presence in the goal circle, providing a consistent scoring outlet and strong finishing under pressure.
Defensively, Xara Burge’s intensity continues to generate valuable turnover ball and spark transition opportunities.
Through the midcourt, Ella Shannon offers composure and control at centre, playing a crucial role in linking defence to attack and will again be key heading into this week’s matchup.
Melton faced a difficult challenge against North Ballarat (88–33), but there are encouraging signs of development.
Ebony Carter (GA) is beginning to make an impact with her movement and positioning, while Maya Eastwood’s four-quarter effort through centre highlights a growing work rate and connection across the court.
While Melton are still building, their combinations are starting to take shape, and continued cohesion will be an important focus as they progress through the season.
Key Match-Up
- Ballarat’s shooting efficiency vs Melton’s defensive pressure
What to Watch
- Ballarat’s attacking flow and confidence
- Melton’s ability to sustain intensity across four quarters
Prediction
Ballarat’s consistency and scoring power should see them take control.
Melton Line-Up
GS: Hayley Masinalupe
GA: Tiarnah Lloyd
WA: Amelia Cini
C: Narena Baker
WD: Kiara Boyd
GD: Felicia Resture
GK: Nadia Tupou
SUB: Loia Tuafafo
Ballarat Line-Up
GS: Sienna Bosschieter
GA: Ava Ferrier
WA: Ava Richardson
C: Xara Burge
WD: Abbie O’Brien
GD: Fionnuala McKeagney-Stubbs
GK: Jacinta McKenzie
SUB: Sam Bakes
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Lake Wendouree
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vs
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East Point
SATURDAY MAY 16TH - 2.15PM @ CE BROWN RESERVE
Momentum: Lake Wendouree (despite last round’s loss)
Lake Wendouree will be eager to respond after a 59–43 loss to Darley, where they were tested by Darley’s efficiency and physical presence in the goal circle.
Despite the result, Addison Funcke (16 goals @ 94%) and Sadie Cheeseman’s control through the midcourt were standout positives, reinforcing their ability to stay composed under pressure.
East Point, coming off a 55–38 loss to Ballarat, will be searching for greater consistency.
Jeremi Robinson led the scoring effort, combining with Keeley Geljon and Keele Hillas, with shooting accuracy set to be a key focus heading into this week.
In defence, Sarah Augustine and Stella Geljon have shown patches of strong competitiveness; however, sustaining pressure and limiting opposition scoring runs will be critical to their overall performance.
Key Match-Up
- Lake Wendouree’s midcourt control vs East Point’s defensive unit
What to Watch
- Lake Wendouree’s response and ball speed through the midcourt
• East Point’s ability to disrupt and convert turnover ball
Prediction
Lake Wendouree’s structure and depth should see them bounce back strongly.
Lake Wendouree Line-Up
GS: Addison Funcke
GA: Ebony Porter
WA: Bella Clark
C: Sadie Cheeseman
WD: Rosie Todd
GD: Remi Hooper
GK: Kate Drew
Subs: Emma Hawker, Audrey Domaille, Demi Thompson
East Point Line-Up
GS: Keele Hillas
GA: Jeremi Robinson
WA: Rhiannon White
C: Bridey McGelliot
WD: Bella Stevens
GD: Sarah Augustine
GK: Stella Geljon
INT: Lauren Bruty (pending final fitness test Thursday)
INT: Abby Kinnersly
INT: Tess Geljon
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Sebastopol
-
vs
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Darley
SATURDAY MAY 16TH - 2.30PM @ MARTY BUSCH RESERVE
Momentum: Darley
Sebastopol come off a narrow 54–51 loss to Sunbury in a high-scoring and fast-paced contest.
Adut Manyiel was exceptional, producing multiple double-digit quarters and proving a constant threat in the goal circle with her strength and versatility.
Through the midcourt, Tahlia Watts played a pivotal role in driving transition, providing strong connection and delivery into the attacking end, and helping maintain Sebastopol’s scoring momentum throughout the game.
Darley remain the competition benchmark following their 59–43 win over Lake Wendouree. Sarah Mason (36 goals @ 90%) was dominant in the goal circle, controlling the space and converting with efficiency.
She was well supported by Lucy Taylor and Shannon Blackman through the midcourt, whose composure and precision ensured consistent supply and allowed Darley to dictate the tempo of the game.
Sebastopol’s speed and attacking intent will present a genuine challenge for Darley, particularly if they can maintain scoreboard pressure.
However, to stay competitive, they will need to limit turnovers, apply sustained defensive pressure, and disrupt Darley’s well-structured ball movement.
Key Match-Up
- Sebastopol’s speed vs Darley’s structure and composure
What to Watch
- Darley’s efficiency and control of tempo
- Sebastopol’s ability to convert scoreboard pressure
Prediction
Darley’s consistency and composure make them deserved favourites, though Sebastopol have the scoring power to challenge.
Darley Line-Up
GS: Olivia Cawthray
GA: Akira McCormack
WA: Lucy Taylor
C: Montana Holmes
WD: Jaimee Smith
GD: Anna Lawley
GK: Matilda Elliot
Subs: Shannon Blackman, Ailish McCormack
Sebastopol Line-Up
GS: Makayla Wright
GA: Laura Bell
WA: Hannah Atkinson
C: Tahlia Watts
WD: Nikki Allen
GD: Taylor Finch
GK: Alice Kain
Subs: Jami Luhrs, Sienna Muir
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Redan
-
vs
-
North Ballarat
SATURDAY MAY 16TH - 2.30PM @ CITY OVAL
Momentum: North Ballarat
North Ballarat were dominant in their 88–33 win over Melton, further reinforcing their status as a genuine contender.
Maggie Smith (32 goals) was outstanding in the shooting circle before shifting into defence and continuing to impact the contest, highlighting the side’s depth and versatility.
Their ability to control tempo through Brydi Hutchinson and Kelsie Rainbow remains a major strength, consistently driving transition and linking play between defence and attack.
Combined with their strong defensive pressure and efficient conversion, North Ballarat are continuing to build a well-rounded and highly effective game style.
Redan will be looking to improve both consistency and accuracy in their attacking end. Eva Manserra has been a strong presence at GA, emerging as a key scoring option.
Defensively, there has been a shift this season with Ash Smith moving into the goal circle, while Erin Riley and Kirsten Andrich continue to build their combination.
Through the midcourt, Stacey Matthews and Grace Manserra provide strong connection and flow, but sustaining that consistency across all four quarters, particularly in both defence and attack, remains a key focus.
Key Match-Up
- North Ballarat’s depth vs Redan’s defensive structure
What to Watch
- North Ballarat’s control across all thirds
• Redan’s composure and ability to sustain pressure
Prediction
North Ballarat’s balance and form should see them continue their strong run.
Redan Line-up
Eva Manserra
Ash Smith
Grace Manserra
Stacey Matthews
Caitlin Farr
Kirsten Andrich
Erin Riley
Subs: Abby Poulton, Sienna Manserra, Stella Kane
North Ballarat Line-Up
GS: Maggie Smith
GA: Georgia Bodey
WA: Lilly Francis
C: Brydi Hutchinson
WD: Maddie Fitzpatrick
GD: Milly Simpson
GK: Amy Wirth
INT: Kelsie Rainbow, Maddy Selmon
Round 6 looms as a defining point in the season. With top sides consolidating their positions and others fighting to stay within reach of the finals, expect a highly competitive weekend. Several matchups carry significant ladder implications, with momentum and consistency now becoming key themes across the competition.
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