ROUND 5 of Mixed Premier Division is set to be an interesting one, with ladder leaders Parkville Panthers having the bye and giving Eastside Sonics in second an opportunity to close the gap. While the Sonics do not have the percentage to overtake Panthers, a win this week would go far for ensuring they stay in the top four.

VIC M-League 2019
Mixed Premier Division – Round 5
25/9/19
7:00pm, 9:40pm

With big matchups on every court, an interesting battle will see NNE Vipers in ninth take on DDNA in seventh. DDNA was dealt a big loss last week to drop from fifth, meaning the side will be ready to take on the Vipers and hopefully head back up the ladder with another victory. For Vipers, they came agonisingly close to a win last week, only going down by two goals to Melbourne City Blackhawks so will well and truly be in this match with plenty to play for. Michael Dower and Bridget Ryan were solid as ever at the post for the Vipers, finding plenty of ball and putting it to good use while Ben Bruitzman showcased his versatility rotating through the midcourt and using his clean hands to find Dower and Ryan in the ring, meaning that the key for DDNA this week will be to limit ball access around the circle with both players able to turn and shoot. For Vipers, the goal will be to deny easy ball into the goal circle with the height and strength of Christian White almost unstoppable at the post, especially with the feeding abilities of Ellen Hurley, Sam Mackerras and David Butler both in and outside the circle. In other games, Melbourne City Blackhawks take on Valley Wolves for a spot in the top four, while Geelong take on St Therese and Pasifika Sharks hope to regain some form when they take on Eastside Sonics in second.