MIXED Premier Division Round 7 was chock full of big results, with three matches decided in close margins, while the final match saw the ladder leaders extend their percentage once more. An inaugural win on the board to one side saw plenty of excitement after weeks of falling short, while third on the ladder dropped two games behind the ladder leaders.

Round 7 saw Parkville Panthers reign supreme once more, dominating against Pasifika Sharks for a convincing 26-goal win (62-36) while NNE Vipers outlasted St Therese to put their inaugural win on the board, with a phenomenal start from the Vipers seeing the Saints struggle under pressure, before a final quarter push saw them defeat the tenacious Saints by only two goals (49-51). Meanwhile, Geelong Cougars proved too strong for Valley Wolves, racing away to a seven goal victory (51-44).

It was a close one between seventh and fifth on the ladder, with a five-goal victory to Melbourne City Blackhawks over Eastside Sonics (59-54) turning the tide of the ladder and rocketing the Blackhawks up to fourth. For the Blackhawks, rotation was key with the side unafraid to make changes across the court despite the closeness of the contest. While the Sonics kept the consistency going across the full four quarters, the Blackhawks took full advantage of their extended bench taking their two-goal half time lead to seven goals by the final change. Jack Carpenter proved vital in at goal shooter for the Sonics, goaling true with 36 of the side’s 49 goals, aided by the accurate feeds of Samara Harris and Jesse Failla. Caitlyn Degaris put in the hard yards in goal defence, applying plenty of pressure and pairing well with Adam Curwood to create turnover ball. For Blackhawks, Madeline Hargrave was a solid option in at goal shooter with 20 goals while Daniel Cooke and Lachlan Deane shot 16 goals apiece in their respective time on court. Defensively, Tim Marshall and Simon Cartwright shared the load in at goal keeper with Matt Doyle out the front through the midcourt.