North Ballarat continued their strong form with a convincing win over East Point, reinforcing their position as one of the teams to beat heading into finals. Darley once again showed why they remain the competition benchmark, controlling large periods of their match against Bacchus Marsh with their trademark pressure, composure and ability to punish turnovers.

Lake Wendouree and Ballarat produced another thrilling contest, with neither side able to gain complete control as momentum shifted throughout the match before the points were eventually shared. The result highlighted the evenness between the two sides and showed that both teams have the ability to challenge the competition’s top teams when they execute their game plans.

Sunbury continued their improvement with a strong performance against Melton, while Sebastopol maintained their late-season momentum with another narrow victory over Redan. With finals positions becoming increasingly important, every quarter and every possession carries greater significance as teams look to build confidence and secure valuable wins.

Sunbury produced one of their strongest performances of the season against Melton, controlling the game through their speed, movement and attacking precision.

Their midcourt combination continues to be a major strength, with Taylah Honey and Georgia Hellyer providing strong drive, defensive pressure and attacking creativity, backed up with Elly Randall in defence.

Bacchus Marsh showed plenty of positives against Darley, producing four consistent quarters and competing strongly against the competition leaders.

Kimberly Philipps remains a reliable target in attack, while Bacchus Marsh will look to continue developing their combinations and build on the improvements shown throughout the season

Key Match-Up

• Sunbury’s transition speed against Bacchus Marsh’s defensive structures.

What to Watch

• Can Bacchus Marsh maintain pressure for four quarters?
  • Sunbury’s attacking combinations.
  • Turnover opportunities.

Prediction

Sunbury enter with confidence and their midcourt control will be difficult to match. Bacchus Marsh has shown improvement and will look to challenge, but Sunbury should have enough depth to secure the win.

Sunbury Team List

GS – Caitlyn Hill
GA – Lani Fauonuku
WA – Georgia Hellyer
C – Taylah Honey
WD – Abi Inglis
GD – Eliza Gollant
GK – Elly Randall
Sub – Charlize Bellette
Sub – Taylah Easton

Bacchus Marsh Team List

GS – Kimberly Philipps
GA – Jasmine Paama
WA – Melissa Prismall
C – Eliza Moodie
WD – Ella Logan
GD – Georgia Shattock
GK – Avana Hobson
Sub – Olivia Phyland
Sub – Chloe Eyre

Ballarat produced another impressive performance against Lake Wendouree, creating a strong second-quarter lead before eventually sharing the points in a dramatic contest.

Their attacking end continues to be a major strength, with Dakota Blade providing composure, accuracy and leadership in the shooting circle. Blade’s ability to absorb pressure and deliver under defensive attention has been a major factor in Ballarat’s strong season.

Defensively, Ballarat continue to build their reputation as one of the most disciplined teams in the competition. Eliza Burge has been outstanding, leading a defensive unit capable of creating pressure and turning opportunities into attacking momentum.

Melton continue to show improvement against quality opposition. Their attacking connections are developing, and their ability to create scoring opportunities against strong defensive units has been a positive throughout the season.

Makeleta Simeki and Katie Kakoschke remain important figures defensively, providing strong contest work and helping Melton remain competitive against experienced sides.

Key Match-Up

• Ballarat’s goalers unit against Melton’s defensive unit

What to Watch

• Dakota Blade’s influence in the shooting circle.
• Melton’s ability to maintain scoreboard pressure.

Prediction

Ballarat’s defensive pressure and attacking experience should make them difficult to contain, but Melton have shown they are capable of challenging strong teams.

If Melton can maintain possession and continue their improving connections, they can keep this contest close. Ballarat’s defensive strength should see them finish stronger.

Ballarat Team List

GS - Dakota Blade
GA - Ava Richardson
WA - Sam Bakes
C - Xara Burge
WD - Taylah Chamra
GD - Jacinta McKenzie
GK - Eliza Burge
Sub - Abbie O'Brien
Sub - Rebecca Astney

Melton Team List

GK – Jacqui Mitrevski
GD – Emma Vitalone
WD – Sydney Hayes
C – Vanessa McIntosh
WA – Jade Fisher
GA – Ebony Carter
GS – Holly Mason
Sub – Felicia Toleafoa

North Ballarat continues to build strong momentum after another impressive performance, reinforcing their status as one of the competition’s leading sides.

Their shooting circle combination of Maddy Selmon and Georgia Bodey continues to provide consistency, while their defensive pressure creates valuable attacking opportunities.

North Ballarat’s ability to maintain pressure across every section of the court has been a key feature of their season, and they continue to look dangerous heading towards finals. Maddy Fitzpatrick stepped on court with incredible leadership this week.

Redan showed encouraging signs against Sebastopol, continuing their late-season improvement.

Erin Riley was outstanding in defence, while Ruby Parry’s return provided additional stability and connection in attack alongside Stacey Matthews.

Redan’s challenge will be maintaining their intensity and limiting North Ballarat’s ability to create quick scoring opportunities.

Key Match-Up

• North Ballarat’s attacking combinations against Redan’s defensive pressure.

What to Watch

• Can Redan maintain their recent improvement
• North Ballarat’s defensive pressure.
• The midcourt battle.

Prediction

Redan have shown they can challenge sides when their intensity is high, but North Ballarat’s consistency and ability to control momentum will make them difficult to overcome.

North Ballarat should be able to continue their strong form and secure another important win.

North Ballarat Team List

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

Redan Team List

GS – Eva Manserra
GA – Ash Smith
WA – Stacey Matthews
C – Grace Manserra
WD – Caitlin Farr
GD – Kirsten Andrich
GK – Erin Riley
Sub – Stella Kane
Sub – Abby Poulton
Sub – Ruby Parry

Darley continue to set the standard in BFNL A Grade netball following another dominant performance.

Their ability to control possession, transition quickly and punish errors remains one of their biggest strengths. Their defensive pressure creates opportunities throughout the court, while their attacking combinations allow them to maintain scoreboard pressure.

Montana Holmes continues to control the midcourt with excellent decision-making and work rate, while Anna Lawley and Matilda Elliot provide exceptional defensive pressure and strong rebounding ability.

Sebastopol enter this contest full of confidence following another narrow win over Redan. Their ability to compete in close matches has become a defining feature of their season, with their defensive pressure and composure under pressure allowing them to remain in contests.

Tahlia Watts continues to be a key influence through the centre, providing drive and creativity, while their defensive unit has shown the ability to challenge attacking combinations.

Key Match-Up

• Darley’s attacking precision against Sebastopol’s defensive pressure.

What to Watch

• Montana Holmes’ influence through the midcourt.
• Sebastopol’s ability to slow Darley’s transition.

Prediction

Sebastopol have shown they can challenge the competition’s strongest teams, but Darley’s consistency across four quarters remains unmatched.

Darley’s depth, pressure and ability to punish errors should see them remain in control.

Darley Team List

GS – Olivia Cawthray
GA – Akira McCormack
WA – Lucy Taylor
C – Montana Holmes
WD – Jaimee Smith
GD – Anna Lawley
GK – Matilda Elliot
Sub – Shannon Blackman
Sub – Ailish McCormack

Sebastopol Team List

GS – Adut Manyiel
GA – Laura Bell
WA – Hannah Atkinson
C – Tahlia Watts
WD – Nikki Allen
GD – Taylor Finch
GK – Alice Kain
Sub – Makayla Wright
Sub – Jami Luhrs
Sub – Sienna Muir

East Point showed positive signs against North Ballarat despite the final margin, entering the match with a full squad and making several changes that allowed them to challenge one of the competition’s strongest teams.

Their defensive intensity was a highlight, with Grace Rodgers outstanding in the defensive circle. Her ability to apply pressure, create contests and generate opportunities from turnovers will be important again as East Point prepare to face another dangerous attacking side.

East Point have shown throughout the season that when their defensive structures are connected and their midcourt pressure is strong; they can compete with quality opponents. Their challenge will be maintaining that level of intensity across four quarters and converting opportunities when they arise.

Lake Wendouree produced another exciting contest against Ballarat, with both sides producing periods of dominance before sharing the points. The Lakers continue to impress with their ability to adjust during matches and find different avenues to goal.

Addison Funcke and Ebony Porter remain key attacking weapons, providing a strong combination of accuracy, movement and versatility. Their ability to create opportunities against defensive pressure will again be central to Lake Wendouree’s chances.

Key Match-Up

• East Point’s defensive pressure against Lake Wendouree’s attacking combinations.

What to Watch

• Can East Point slow Lake Wendouree’s shooting circle?
• Lake Wendouree’s ability to maintain intensity across four quarters.

Prediction

East Point have shown they can compete with strong opponents when their defensive structures and attacking connections are working, but they will need to maintain that intensity for the entire match.

Lake Wendouree’s ability to find multiple scoring options and adjust during games gives them the advantage. Expect another strong contest, but the Lakers should be able to control the final stages.

East Point Team List

GK – Grace Rodgers
GD – Stella Geljon
WD – Rhiannon White
C – Isabella Stevens
WA – Abby Kinnersly
GA – Jeremi Robinson
GS – Keele Hillas
Sub – Evie Rooney
Sub – Bridey McElligott

Lake Wendouree Team List

GS – Addison Funcke
GA – Ebony Porter
WA – Emma Hawker
C – Sadie Cheeseman
WD – Rosie Todd
GD – Audrey Domaille
GK – Kate Drew
Sub – Bella Clark
Sub – Demi Thompson