A compelling contest between two sides working to build consistency, this matchup presents an opportunity for both teams to further establish their identity for the 2026 season.

Redan bring a strong core group with proven scoring capability and experience across the court. The combination of Eva Manserra and Stella Kane in the shooting circle provides a reliable scoring outlet, particularly when supplied with quality ball.

Through the midcourt, Stacey Matthews offers composure and leadership, capable of impacting both attacking flow and defensive pressure. In defence, Ashlee Smith and Erin Riley will be key in applying physical pressure and contesting strongly in the air.

Ballarat continues to show encouraging improvement, with their developing connections and growing confidence evident in recent performances. The combination of Famke McCallum and Dakota Blade in the shooting circle proved difficult to contain last round and will again be central to their scoring output.

Defensively, Ballarat are building nicely, with Fionnula McKeagney-Stubbs and Eliza Burge providing a strong presence in the circle and consistent contest across the court.

KEY MATCH-UP
• Shooting circle — Manserra/Kane vs Blade/McCallum

WHAT TO WATCH
• Ballarat’s ability to sustain intensity for four quarters
• Redan’s response and ability to re-establish their 2025 standard

PREDICTION
Redan go in as favourites based on experience and structure, but Ballarat are closing the gap. If they maintain pressure and composure, an upset is well within reach.

Redan Line-Up

GS: Eva Manserra
GA: Stella Kane
WA: Stacey Matthews
C: Grace Manserra
WD: Caitlin Farr
GD: Ashlee Smith
GK: Erin Riley
Subs: Sienna Manserra, Abby Poulton, Kirsten Andrich

Ballarat Line-Up

GS: Dakota Blade
GA: Famke McCallum
WA: Ava Richardson
C: Xara Burge
WD: Jacinta McKenzie
GD: Eliza Burge
GK: Fionnula McKeagney-Stubbs
Sub: Sam Bakes, Abbie O’Brien

Reigning premiers Darley head into Round 4 as the competition benchmark, continuing to showcase the composure, cohesion, and efficiency that underpinned their 2025 success. Their ability to control tempo through the midcourt and patiently build attacking phases allows them to consistently deliver high-percentage scoring opportunities.

Their defensive unit remains a standout, with Matilda Elliott and Anna Lawley forming a well-drilled combination that forces opposition into high-risk ball. This pressure is amplified by the relentless work rate of Jaimee Smith, who sets the tone defensively up the court.

Melton, meanwhile, continue to build under new leadership and are showing encouraging signs of development. Their defensive pairing of Felicia Resture and Nadia Tupou brings physicality and aerial strength, giving them the capacity to disrupt Darley’s rhythm if they can sustain pressure across all four quarters.

For Melton, the challenge will lie in converting defensive wins into composed attacking transitions and maintaining consistency against a highly structured Darley outfit

KEY MATCH-UP
• Olivia Cawthray vs Melton’s defensive circle — can Melton limit supply and force Darley to play outside their preferred structure?

WHAT TO WATCH
• Darley’s patience and precision in attack
• Melton’s ability to sustain defensive intensity and transition cleanly

PREDICTION
Darley’s experience and structure should see them take control, though Melton will look to measure progress through sustained competitiveness.

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

Darley Line-Up

GS: Olivia Cawthray
GA: Akira McCormack
WA: Lucy Taylor
C: Montana Holmes
WD: Jaimee Smith
GD: Anna Lawley
GK: Matilda Elliott
Subs: Shannon Blackman, Ailish McCormack

A headline fixture of Round 4, this shapes as a finals-quality contest between two genuine premiership contenders, both capable of setting the benchmark for the competition.

North Ballarat have built strong early-season consistency through a settled line-up, sharp midcourt connections, and an aggressive defensive mindset. Their ability to apply pressure across all thirds and force opposition into rushed decisions has been a defining feature.

The inclusion of Ella Hutchinson has strengthened their defensive end, adding intercept presence and aerial strength, while Brydi Hutchinson plays a crucial role through WD in disrupting opposition ball movement and limiting clean transition.

Offensively, North Ballarat’s spacing and timing allow for clean circle entry, giving their shooters every opportunity to convert from strong positions.

Sunbury, however, remain one of the competition’s most complete sides. Their composure with ball in hand, combined with an ability to dictate tempo and minimise error, makes them incredibly difficult to challenge across four quarters.

Through the midcourt, Tayla Honey and Georgia Hellyer provide an effective balance of speed and control, consistently delivering quality ball into the shooting circle. Their adaptability—whether maintaining width or playing direct—adds another layer to their attacking strength.

Defensively, Sunbury operate as a connected unit across the court, reading play exceptionally well and transitioning seamlessly from defence to attack, placing sustained pressure on opposition structures.

KEY MATCH-UP
• Centre court — Rainbow/Bodey vs Honey/Hellyer

WHAT TO WATCH
• Sunbury’s ability to control possession and minimise errors
• North Ballarat’s defensive pressure and ability to generate intercepts

PREDICTION
A genuine top-tier clash. Sunbury hold the edge through experience and composure, but North Ballarat are more than capable of matching them—this could go either way.

North Ballarat Line-Up

GS: Maddy Selmon
GA: Poppy Douglass
WA: Georgia Bodey
C: Kelsie Rainbow
WD: Brydi Hutchinson
GD: Milly Simpson
GK: Maggie Smith
Subs: Maddie Fitzpatrick, Lilly Francis, Amy Wirth

Sunbury Line-Up

GS: Caitlyn Hill
GA: Lani Fauonuku
WA: Georgia Hellyer
C: Tayla Honey
WD: Dash Taylor
GD: Eliza Gollant
GK: Charlize Bellette
Interchange: Sarah Croft, Abi Ingles, Chelsea Amore

This looms as one of the most intriguing contests of the round, with both Lake Wendouree and Sebastopol entering in strong early-season form and building confidence within their respective systems.

Lake Wendouree have proven they can match it with the competition’s best, combining a dynamic and creative attacking end with a disciplined defensive structure. The movement and synergy of Addison Funcke and Ebony Porter inside the circle allow the Lakers to vary their attacking options, particularly through second-phase play and their ability to reset under pressure.

Defensively, the Lakers are well organised, with Kate Drew anchoring strongly in the goal circle, supported by the athleticism of Remi Hooper and the tireless work rate of Rosie Todd. Their ability to generate turnover ball and convert efficiently will be central to their chances.

Sebastopol have quickly established themselves as one of the competition’s early improvers, playing with speed, confidence, and attacking intent. Their transition game has been a feature, moving the ball quickly and directly through the midcourt to maintain scoreboard pressure.

Hannah Atkinson continues to provide drive and creativity through WA, combining effectively with Tahlia Watts in C, whose work rate and timing to circle edge has been a key pillar of Sebastopol’s attacking flow. This connection allows their shooters to hold strong position and finish with confidence.

Defensively, Alice Kain leads a proactive unit that looks to dictate play, applying early pressure and forcing opposition attackers into less favourable positions.

KEY MATCH-UP
• Midcourt battle — Emma Hawker & Sadie Cheeseman vs Hannah Atkinson & Tahlia Watts

WHAT TO WATCH
• Sebastopol’s confidence and attacking speed
• Lakers’ ability to win ball defensively and convert efficiently

PREDICTION
A genuine 50/50 contest. Sebastopol’s form gives them a slight edge, but Lake Wendouree at home will push this deep into the game.

Lake Wendouree Line-Up

GS: Addison Funcke
GA: Ebony Porter
WA: Emma Hawker
C: Sadie Cheeseman
WD: Rosie Todd
GD: Remi Hooper
GK: Kate Drew
Subs: Bella Clark, Audrey Domaille, Demi Thompson

Sebastopol Line-Up

GS: Makayla Wright
GA: Laura Bell
WA: Hannah Atkinson
C: Tahlia Watts
WD: Nikki Allen
GD: Tayla Finch
GK: Alice Kain
Subs: Sienna Muir, Jami Luhrs, Maya Pearce