ROUND 14 marks the final round for the season as well as the Movember Round at Victorian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association, making this week’s matches important for more than just finals contention. While this round will see the top side have a bye to end their season and ultimately going undefeated, there is still plenty to play for for at least two sides this round, with both Valley Wolves and DDNA vying for the last spot in the top four.

Vic M-League 2019
Mixed Premier Division – Round 14
27/11/19
7:00, 9:40pm

With Parkville Panthers crowned minor premiers after a dominant season, Geelong Cougars will look to put themselves in a good position for finals when they take on cellar dwellers, St Therese. The Cougars could ultimately go two ways this week, either go out with a bang and a big finish against a low side on the ladder, or rest players who will be playing multiple finals over the coming weeks. Pasifika Sharks are in a similar position for their clash with Eastside Sonics. The Sharks do not necessarily need a win this week, but one would go a long way in a bid for some consistency heading into finals. Valley Wolves take on Melbourne City Blackhawks, a side they defeated with ease last time they met, though the Blackhawks will know what is at stake in this matchup making it an interesting battle.

NNE Vipers will look to push DDNA to the final whistle this week as another side in the position to deny a finals contender a position in the top four. DDNA only won by five goals last time these two sides met, making for a massive contest that will come down to turnover rate and accuracy to post. Vipers have a number of key players, namely through attack with no shortage of shooting options to rotate in the goal circle. With Michael Dower, Bridget Ryan, Jessica Lallo and Alex Green all able to impact the scoreboard when required, DDNA will have a lot on their plate limiting the versatility and speed in the circle. DDNA’s Christian White was prolific the last time these two sides met but has sat out the past two rounds, making this a big match for the likes of Ellen Hurley and the numerous options DDNA could bring into the circle in White’s potential absence, with Josh Smith and Jake Novak two who have played a role in attack in recent weeks. The versatility of Novak will be key, with the circle player able to have an impact both in goal shooter and goal keeper, making for an interesting contest regardless of who he lines up against. Steffi Poort and Ash Melinkas are another two players who can have plenty of impact for DDNA, while the midcourt connection of Vipers’ Ben Bruitzman and Chloe Coffin has been solid all season making for a massive final round of the season.

To donate to VMMNA’s Movember Challenge: https://au.movember.com/mospace/network/view/id/50594