THE final round of Victorian Netball League (VNL) action saw some of the top four teams claim convincing wins and showcase their dominance heading into the finals. The Ariels claimed a surprise win to end their season on a high, while there were some welcomed returns with key players making their way back into the side.

Casey Demons (57) defeated by Geelong Cougars (70)

The Geelong Cougars proved too strong for the Demons who struggled to combat the offensive pressure applied by the Cougars. Geelong made the most of their opportunities across the court attacking the contest hard and working their way through traffic to find an opening and deliver the ball well. Casey held a one goal lead at quarter time showcasing how much was at stake before the Cougars piled on the goals in the second term with a 21-10 term. From there on the Cougars kicked into gear and could not be stopped with Julia Woolley shifting into a league of her own while Ruby Horton and Bridgette Furphy left their mark on the scoreboard. Through the midcourt, Casey were led by Shannon Blackman and Kassidy Withers but for Geelong the likes of Emily Post and Vanessa Augustini did the heavy lifting in attack. Emma Ryde and Erin Bell posed an ominous threat sitting at a combined 91 per cent accuracy but just could not get enough ball to hit the scoreboard.

North-East Blaze (58) defeated Hawks Netball (38)

A 20 goal drubbing highlighted the ability of North East Blaze to capitalise on weaker opponents and put out a solid four quarter performance to surge their way into finals in style. Blaze got off to a flying start not missing a single shot, piling on 17 shots compared to the Hawks who only managed 69 percent accuracy in the opening term. The Hawks struggled to win back ball with Blaze extending their lead at each break. Goal shooter Elizabeth Nicol impressed throughout the match with her strong holds and ability to find the net with ease time and time again. She partnered well with Taylor Bronwyn who was not afraid to turn and shoot while Ella Bayliss was a real workhorse through the centre third delivering the ball into Nicol and Bronwyn. Kaitlyn Black and Georgia Bowkett were impressive down in defence working hard to win ball and cause turnovers to propel the ball back down the court. For the Hawks, Shae Gee and Tayla Shannon worked well together to rotate through the circle and put up shots.

Peninsula Waves (45) defeated by Southern Saints (50)

It was a heartbreaking loss for the Waves who led for three quarters but failed to run out the match, faulting in the final term. The Saints piled on 15 goals to six in the last quarter highlighting their ability to prevail in tight games and capitalise under pressure. The Southern Saints shooting percentage was an impressive 90 per cent compared to the Waves who only managed 75 per cent. Ella Quinlan, Samantha Silvester and Chloe Wilson all battled hard in the circle for prime position under the post with all three hitting the scoreboard. The goal circle was intense with the Saints shooters going toe to toe with the Waves’ defenders Tara Cecil and Mardi Cunningham. Through the midcourt for the Waves Madison Capsalis and Kate Kelly-Oman found their groove reading the play and creating space for one another to drive into while delivering good passes into Gabrielle Dwyer and Madeline Morrison. But the last stage efforts of the Saints defenders Shannon Freeman and Kirsty Clarke in the last quarter is what got them over the line credit to the defensive duo winning the back ball.

Melbourne University Lightning (59) defeated by Ariels (61)

In a relatively disappointing season for the Ariels sitting at the bottom of the ladder and only claiming their fourth win for the season, they went out on a high leaving everything out on the court. The three-goal victory was hard fought with the lead chopping and changing throughout the course of the match. It was an even match with both sides competing hard and searching for that sense of control and rhythm across the court in hope to gain some momentum but in the end the Ariels fought it out. Down at half time they turned the tables credit to an increased defensive effort from the likes of Shae Kyle, Jessica Maher and Jane Higgs. Up the other end for the Ariels Samantha Gooden and Stacey Gannon worked the ball around the circle to Kourtnee Baird and Montana Holmes to edge closer to goal and capitalise on their chances. Mikaela Vaughan and Rebecca Winch were off to a hot start while Kelsie Rainbow did a wealth of work to get the ball to circle edge and deliver it in to the Lightning shooters.

City West Falcons (69) defeated Boroondara Express (36)

The City West Falcons marched into the finals with a convincing performance against Boroondara Express who struggled from the get-go. The Falcons were clinical both in attack and defence making the most of their chances and punishing Express for any errors. City West was on from the first whistle showcasing their ball speed and clever placement to poke holes in the Express defence. Tharjini Sivalingam returned to the side after featuring in the World Cup for Sri Lanka and she continued from where she left off finding good space in the circle and converting. Her partnership with Madelyn Gray was impressive while Jane Cook also played her role, going to post and commanding the ball for the Falcons. Once again the defensive duo of Zoe Davies and Sarah Szczykulski was formidable with the two forcing turnovers and creating doubt in their opponents minds. Clare Vearing was her usual self under the post for Boroondara with Isabelle Hodgson also featuring heavily in the first half. Defensively Express struggled to combat the attacking prowess of City West with Isabella Brown and Caitlyn Degaris doing a wealth of work for minimal reward.