AS Round 1 the Victorian Netball League (VNL) 2021 season gets underway tonight, we take a look at the matchups we will see this week. It will be the first time these sides hit the court in over a year with the VNL season cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown in Victoria, meaning there will be plenty of excitement out on court.

Geelong Cougars v City West Falcons

Reigning premiers Geelong Cougars take on the most accomplished VNL team in the City West Falcons at Parkville tonight. A key matchup to watch will be between the Falcons’ Tharjini Sivalingam and Cougar’s young gun Brooke Allan. At 42-years-old and 206 centimetres tall, Sivalingam brings with her a wealth of netball knowledge as well as unmatchable height and will certainly put Allan to the test. However, Allan has great spatial awareness, an ability to read play very well, and speed that will certainly keep Sivalingham on her toes. If Allan is able to nullify the influence of Sivalingam at the post it will go a long way in handing the Falcons the win. 

Boroondara Express v North East Blaze

One to keep an eye out for in this game is Express mid-courter, Hannah Mundy. Having signed as a training partner with the Melbourne Vixens this season, her energy is bountiful, with her speed and fancy footwork set to be a real asset to Express. Another to watch will be Nyah Allen in Blaze’s shooting end. Despite her young age, Allen’s on court experience with the Collingwood Magpies in 2020 will be extremely valuable to the team. She is able to shoot from anywhere in circle, and has an amazing ability to front cut and drive to the baseline. This will be an interesting game to watch.

Wilson Storage Southern Saints v Hawks Netball

The Southern Saints will go up against the Hawks tonight at Oakleigh Recreation Centre. Both teams boast reliable, experienced shooters in Sinead Lumsden and Natalie Billings. Lumsden is a steady hand for the Saints, keeping composed under pressure and maintaining her ability to shoot from anywhere in the ring. Billings flexes a powerful stance and and strong hands for the Hawks, creating a problem for the opposing defenders. Both sides will be eager to make an impact in Round 1 and kick their season off in style with a handy win. 

Ariels v Melbourne University Lightning

Shae Brown is likely to be a game changer for Lightning, as a former SSN netballer with over 10 years of experience. Even though you will usually find her in the midcourt, Brown has the ability to have a run under the post, utilising her midcourt skills in quick feet and fast drives to overcome her opponents. Also bringing some elite experience to this game for the Ariels is Rahni Samason. Having trained with Melbourne Vixens in the past, the tall goaler is fairly accurate and not afraid to move around to get the better of the defenders. It will be entertaining game to see how the scoreline finishes up.

Casey Demons Netball v Peninsula Waves

In the last game of the round to take place on Saturday night at Casey Stadium, the 2019 runners up Casey Demons will take on the Peninsula Waves. The Demons have a bank of players with elite netball experience, including Sacha McDonald, Sharni Lambden, Tayla Honey and Emma Ryde. While Ryde is a dominant player for the Demons, with her height and holding skill a dangerous combination, she may be going up against veteran defender Sharni Norder (nee Layton). Norder’s extensive SSN and international experience will certainly lift the Waves, and may just give the runners up a run for their money.