SIMILAR to the Men’s Premier Division, the Mixed Premier Division had a number of big names out of the side last round for the New Zealand Men’s Nationals. But while some sides struggled without dominant names on the court, other sides relished the opportunity to boost their ladder percentage and chances with six of the nine teams moving positions on the ladder. After a disappointing loss last round the Pasifika Sharks have a bye this week to re-energise ahead of Round 5.

VIC M-League 2019
Mixed Premier Division – Round 4
18/9/19
8:20pm, 9:40pm

The big match for Round 4 will pit first and second against each other, with Parkville Panthers and Valley Wolves facing off. Both sides are as yet undefeated with plenty left in the tank, though the Wolves have played one less game which could work against them against the well-gelled Panthers. It could be a real battle of the goalers in this match, with Nat Billings in goal attack for the Wolves while the Panthers have a shooter-rich side with a number of players able to rotate through when required. Defensively, Georgette Paatsch, Erin Jay and Alastair Punshon have plenty to offer to their respective sides, finding plenty of turnover ball despite the height and athleticism of their opposition. The midcourt battle will be the true indicator in this match however, with VNL and ANL players the likes of Elle McDonald and Casey Adamson taking the court for Parkville as well as speedster Riley Richardson.

In other games, plenty of ladder topping positions could change again this round with fourth placed Geelong Cougars hoping to bounce back with a win over fifth ranked DDNA, who are coming into Round 4 off the back of a confidence-boosting victory last week. Meanwhile, winless NNE Vipers hope for a sniff at victory when they take on Melbourne City Blackhawks in seventh while Eastside Sonics will want to boost their percentage against eighth placed St Therese in order to maintain third on the ladder.