CITY West Falcons are on a red-hot winning streak and will head into tonight’s Victorian Netball League (VNL) grand final as strong favourites. Though the Falcons are on a 18-game winning streak from Round 2 until the semi-final, the post-season series is a different beast and Boroondara Express will give themselves every chance of an upset victory.

Rightfully so the Express enter the grand final full of confidence, coming off a two-goal victory over Geelong Cougars in an enthralling preliminary final. Boroondara has had to do it the hard way, finishing third on the ladder, knocking off Melbourne University in the do-or-die semi-final and then getting past the Cougars to set up a match with the Falcons.

City West has had the more express way into the decider, winning against the Cougars in the semi-finals to advance through to the grand final. With a week off last Wednesday, the Falcons would have had plenty of time to check out the Express and see just what they are up against.

In saying that, the sides have played off twice this season, with the Falcons winning on both occasions. The first match back in Round 5 was a bloodbath as the eventual minor premiers crushed the Express by 20 goals at the State Netball Centre.

hat was way back on Friday, April 21, however they doubled down with a victory just five weeks later. In the Round 11 contest between the teams, the Falcons won 69-61 in a high-scoring thriller on Court 3. In that match. The Falcons have of course not lost since, while the Express have won seven of nine, with their two losses coming against the other top four sides, Cougars and Lightning.

Falcons shooter Jane Cook scored 66 goals last time these sides played, and in her most recent match against the Cougars, put up 48 goals. It will be critical for Sarah Szczykulski to try and contain her if the Express are to try and cause an upset. Madelyn Gray also shot 11 goals from 16 attempts to provide support for Cook, and could be a good option if the Express use Sophie Shoebridge to try and double-team Cook under the post.

Casey Adamson is arguably the Express’ most crucial player, with her ability to get hands over ball and into the attacking third effectively making Boroondara a difficult team to intercept. She will have her hands full against a player of equal quality in Montana Holmes.

Isabelle Hodgson and Tiahnee Farrell are the two Express shooters who will be given first opportunity, with Hodgson shooting at a high 94.59 per cent clip in the preliminary final. Given the Falcons have Super Netball quality defenders in Sienna Allen and Zoe Davies, it will not be easy, so the underdogs will need to make the most of their opportunities if they are a chance to win.

It is difficult to see the Falcons dropping this one given their winning streak, but considering what happens in grand finals, you only have to look at past years to see upsets can happen. In saying that, City West is an experienced team with quality across the board, and the Falcons have won 18 in a row for a reason.

The match takes place at 8:45pm tonight and is streamed via Kayo Freebies and KommunityTV.