ROUND 2 of the Victorian Netball League commences tonight as both the Geelong Cougars and City West Falcons search for their first win of the season after a thrilling encounter last week. Casey Demons will be looking to make it two wins on the trot, as will North East Blaze.

Boroondara Express vs. Casey Demons

Casey Demons picked up where they left off despite there being a year between outings notching up a convincing win in Round 1 while Boroondara Express were unable to execute. With strong connections across the court and a couple of lynchpins the Demons will be hoping to expose the developing Boroondara side and record their second win of the season to remain undefeated.

There is no denying that Emma Ryde is the main drawcard for the Demons with the towering goal shooter able to dominate under the post with her commanding height and holds. She can score quickly and is a real barometer for her side while her partnership with Sacha McDonald will only further develop and will be something to keep an eye on heading into this clash. The influence of Sharni Lambden is also imperative for the Demons as she provides that spark in the attacking third with her quickfire passes and spatial awareness. Michelle Massarany will likely be tasked with combatting Ryde under the post while up the other end expect Uneeq Palavi to do the heavy lifting and control things on the scoring front with support from Isabelle Hodgson. The duo are more than capable of troubling opposition teams but just need to find their groove from the first minute of the game if they are a chance to topple the Demons.

North East Blaze vs. Hawks Netball

The Blaze will be keen to make it two from two when they take on Hawks Netball tonight. After a strong showing last week where they came back from a half time deficit North East will be full of confidence and belief while for the Hawks their ability to grind out games and deliver under pressure is a non-negotiable.

Looking inside the goal circle it is hard to go past the services of Collingwood Magpies training partner Nyah Allen who is a smooth mover and can read the play exceptionally well to slot into the gaps and score. Look out for her partnership with Georgia Moody in at goal shooter as they hope to combine and cause some headaches for the opposition. Ella Bayliss is classy with ball in hand, able to dictate play in the attacking third out in wing attack while in defence Tayissa Coppinger is a real workhorse. The Hawks have a couple of stars of their own with Natalie Billings a force to be reckoned with under the post given her fancy footwork and overall netball nous to edge closer and closer to the post to score. Jasmine Ferguson is a real livewire through the centre, able to run both ways and cause a ruckus, while in defence the combination of Chloe Sinclair and Clare Johnson will need to be on song to shut down the speed of the Blaze attack.

Ariels vs. Geelong Cougars

It was the game that got away from Geelong last round and they will be missing their rued chances as they search for their first win of the season. With this in mind, expect them to come out firing against the winless Ariels and really stamp their authority on the competition. The Ariels on the other hand started slowly and were unable to work their way back into the contest, so will need a fast star and level of consistency if they are to upset the 2019 reigning premiers.

Rahni Samason and Olivia Morris enjoyed their time out on court last round, with their accuracy well and truly coming to the fore but denied a wealth of opportunities they will be hoping to address this time round. But they will have to combat the likes of Brooke Allan who is renowned for her long arms, lean over the shot and reach to disrupt the attacking momentum of sides. Monique Clark has proven to be a wall in defence for the Ariels but will have her work cut out for her against the likes of Zanna Woods and Julia Wooley who are both incredibly dynamic and most importantly can shoot from distance making the hard to stop. Through the midcourt the likes of Vanessa Augustini, Kaitlyn Sheringham and Emily Post will provide plenty of concern for the Ariels.

Peninsula Waves vs. City West Falcons

The Waves are coming off a 19-goal loss and will be eager to bounce back with a strong showing here while the Falcons will be raring to go after drawing in Round 1 with the Cougars. Their ability to withstand waves of pressure was second to none as was their grit and determination something they will be hoping to replicate against Peninsula.

Clare Vearing is a key cog in the circle for the Waves able to slot them from everywhere and keep the scoreboard ticking over and doing so at a high accuracy. The Falcons defence in Sarah Szczykulski and Zoe Davies will have to be on their a-game if they are to quell her influence however both defenders are more than capable of winning their fair share of ball given their read of the play and tenacity. Although Tharjini Sivalingam did not take the court Round 1 the services of Jane Cook did the job with the towering goal shooter able to command the ball and use her height to her advantage to shoot truly and score quickly. Maggie Lind is an excitement machine through the midcourt meaning the Waves defenders in Tara Cecil and Jess Hosking will need to lock her down.

Melbourne University Lightning vs. Southern Saints

Notching up a big win in Round 1, Melbourne University Lightning will be hoping to maintain that level of intensity throughout the contest and secure their second straight win to put them in good stead to start the season. On the other hand the Southern Saints are out for their

Boasting the likes of Shae Brown, Kelsie Rainbow and Fiona Fowler Melbourne Uni have plenty of exciting and experienced heads in the mix that can help to dictate the flow in each third of the court. Throw in the likes of Melbourne Vixens training partner, Gabrielle Coffey and the Lightning have a plethora of players that are able to take the game by the scruff of the neck and control proceedings. Inside the circle for the Saints is Samantha Silvester, Sinead Lumsden and Ella Quinlan with the trio able to find good space and keep the scoreboard ticking over while the efforts of Ashleigh Gill and Kellie Davidson will be key if they are to get over the top of the Lightning.