PARKVILLE Panthers mean business in the 2021/22 Victorian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association (VMMNA) finals series. Coming into Round 10, both the Panthers and Geelong Cougars remained undefeated, after their earlier fixture was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols last month. But despite the match billed as going down to the wire, it was the Panthers who stormed away with a 20-goal win, 62-42 to secure top spot on the table and move into strong premiership favouritism.

Though many expect that last round clash to be an entree for the main course in a fortnight, the Panthers would be happy with what they produced against such a quality opposition. Both sides were missing quality players as Riley Richardson (Parkville) and Mel Bragg (Geelong) were absent, preventing what could have been a tantalising midcourt battle at some point. Brodie Roberts also did not play for the Panthers, whilst Luke Rawlings and Bridgette Furphy were others missing in action for the Cougars.

The highly anticipated blockbuster was almost over before it began, with the Panthers dominating the opening term to race out to an eight-goal lead, 18-10. Connor Lilly was on fire in the first quarter, piling on 11 goals, and would finish with 20 for the match in what was just a half in goal attack. His partner-in-crime on the night was goal shooter Amy Starzer who added eight goals – seven of which came in the first term – on the Panthers’ way to a 28-16 half-time lead.

The defensive combination of Georgette Paatsch and Jake Hederics really nullified Geelong’s usually potent attack. Georgina Cuthbertson managed just the two goals in the first half, as Cameron Allum was replaced by Brayden Pastore through the first term, before returning for the third quarter. His return allowed the Cougars to pick up the scoring again, producing 13 goals in the third term, but yet again the Panthers had the better of them with 17, and the lead was out to 16 goals.

Parkville rotated its shooting circle, with Sophie O’Kane replacing Lilly – who would move into wing attack for the last term – and Hederics switching ends into goal shooter for the second half. That was possible through Tristan Comans coming on in goal keeper to pair up with Paatsch who played the full game in goal defence. Jake Noonan rotated between wing attack and centre for the Cougars, whilst Georgia Ryan held down the opposite spot in the final three quarters. Despite the changes, the fourth term was exactly the same as the third, with Parkville winning it 17-13, leading to the 20-goal win.

Hederics finished with 27 goals in the second half to be the dominant shooter in the game after shutting down the key shooters for the opposition, showing his versatility and being the clear standout player on the court. Comans also impressed for the Panthers, with Paatsch consistent in defence. For the Cougars, Ryan was among the best with Noonan in midcourt, with Allum able to apply scoreboard pressure in the third term.

Meanwhile Valley Wolves reestablished themselves as the third best side, getting up by 12 goals over NNE Vipers. The Wolves fell two goals behind at quarters time despite a massive 13 goals from James Story, but managed to claw their way back in front courtesy of a 14-10 second term. From there they took control to win the second half, 26-16 and secure the 54-42 victory. Al Punchon continued his great form coming on in goal keeper across the middle two quarters, before scoring 11 goals in the last term. Story finished with 30 goals for the match, whilst Maddie Jones had some critical moments in wing defence in the second and fourth terms. Bridget Ryan scored 23 goals for the Vipers in the loss.

In the last game, Melbourne Quakes ensured Eastside Sonics went through the 2021/22 season without a win, getting up in a closer-than-expected eight-goal victory. The dead rubber game occurred due to fourth placed Ariels having a bye – and therefore being unable to drop out of the finals positions, but the Quakes still finished on a high, grabbing the 50-42 victory and securing fifth spot on the table. Caitlin Cooke impressed in defence for the Quakes, with Eastside Sonics’ Jess Clayton working hard in goal attack for the losers.

MIXED PREMIER DIVISION ROUND 10 RESULTS:

Parkville Panthers (62) defeated Geelong Cougars (42)
Valley Wolves (54) defeated NNE Vipers (42)
Melbourne Quakes (50) defeated Eastside Sonics (42)