TONIGHT begins the final third of the Victorian Netball League (VNL) season and with things so tight and unpredictable, there is sure to be plenty of excitement to come.

One of tonight’s clashes that looks very different on paper this week than it did a week ago is the clash between Casey and Geelong. Although the Cougars will still go into the match as favourites, they are coming off their second loss in three weeks and their second consecutive loss to Melbourne University Lightning this season.

They also face a Casey team who finally got back on the winners list last week with a somewhat unexpected win over the Hawks, and is now only two games outside finals, so will have added motivation to push on and use last week’s result as a springboard.

Another side that will be going into their game tonight with a boost of confidence is the Lightning, who last week pulled off a win over Geelong for the second time this season. They will need that extra confidence heading into tonight’s clash against another top four side in Boorondara Express. The Express are also coming off a confidence-boosting win, in their case over the Southern Saints.

Much like the Dees, the Lightning are also now only two games outside finals and will look to use last week’s result as a springboard. The Express will be looking to bag the win to further cement their place in the top two and make it harder for other teams to make finals.

One team that will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last week’s performance is North East Blaze, who face a much tougher challenge this week. After almost being the first victim of the Peninsula Waves for 2023, the Blaze will look to lift their game next week against fellow top four contender the Saints. The Saints on the other hand however are also coming off a loss, so will be keen to bounce back in a big way.

With only one win separating the pair on the ladder, there is also a lot riding on this week’s clash for both sides.

Speaking of the Waves, off the back of pushing the Blaze last week they will be confident of finally picking up their first win this week when they take on fellow bottom two side, Ariels.

Last time these two sides met it was the Ariels who got the win for what has been their only win to date, but they have struggled since and are coming off a comfortable loss to the Falcons. Will the Waves finally get on the board in 2023?

To round out the action tonight the City West Falcons take on Hawks Netball. Last time these two met it was a fairly comfortable win to the Falcons, but the Hawks are in a bit of a situation where their season is precariously balanced, so will be wanting to make life hard for the Falcons tonight, especially after last week’s result.

VICTORIAN NETBALL LEAGUE ROUND 13 FIXTURE

City West Falcons vs Hawks Netball

Ariels vs Peninsula Waves

Melbourne University Lightning vs Boroondara Express

Casey Demons vs Geelong Cougars

North East Blaze vs Southern Saints