THE Geelong Cougars retained their unbeaten start to the season top spot on the ladder in the Men’s Premier Division notching up their fifth straight win. Round 5 saw plenty of action with close games between DDNA and Ariels (60-54) along with the Blackhawks and Sirens (57) and while some matches were only decided by a couple of goals Pasifika Sharks flexed their muscles with a comprehensive 15 goal win over St Therese. Junior Levi highlighted his scoring prowess slotting goal after goal with a staggering 65 goals to finish the match. The game between the Seahawks and Cougars (35-44) provided plenty of interest with Geelong putting on a comprehensive full court press with Luke Marko Rawlings, Joshua Burns and Alastair Punshon putting on a defensive wall.

DDNA notched up their second win of the season with a narrow six-goal victory over Ariels. It was a see-sawing affair with both sides struggling for consistency. The Ariels held a six-goal lead heading into half-time making the most of their opportunities under the post and denying DDNA any easy avenue into the goal circle but a third quarter come back from DDNA saw them steal the lead. Sam Bury did not let up at the post for DDNA moving well and scoring freely as the game went on while pairing exceptionally well with Christian White. Although White did not have his usual impact under the post he did enough off the ball to set up plays, create an option and score when needed. Defensively the rotation of Taylor Ford, Daniel King and David Priddle worked well with the trio playing their part to apply strong hands over pressure and shut down options in attack. The Ariels were not without their star players with Michael Dower owning the goal attack position with his accuracy to post and movement across the thirds. His connection with Kurt Thompson paid dividends in the opening half with the two finding plenty of space while Dean Stubbs provided plenty of stability in wing attack.

Southern Seahawks (35) defeated by Geelong Cougars (44)
DDNA (60) defeated Ariels (54)
Melbourne City Blackhawks (50) defeated by Sirens Netball (57)
Pasifika Sharks (73) defeated St Therese (58)