THOUGH it might have been an eternity since lifting the trophy aloft, Geelong Cougars will aim to begin their 2019 title defence when the Victorian Netball League (VNL) gets underway tonight. The Cougars take on Hawks Netball in Round 1 of the competition, and though there are some familiar faces, so much is still unknown about the league and how each team will perform.

Geelong Cougars have a star-studded lineup to contest the 2022 VNL season, lead by former Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) talents Madi Browne and Melissa Bragg. The former Australian Diamond Browne will be a huge threat in either wing attack or centre, with Bragg able to provide quality feeds through the midcourt as well. With the midcourt easily settled, both ends also have plenty of talent, with a number of names coming fresh off a premiership in the Victorian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association (VMMNA) Mixed Premier Division.

Zanna Woods starred in that premiership, and she will likely lineup alongside high-volume shooter Julia Woolley, whilst the likes of Brooke Allan, Vanessa Augustini, Georgia Cuthbertson and Georgette Paatsch are other names to watch throughout the season. They will add some great depth to a strong squad, and no doubt a number of young talents staking their claim in the Under 19s as well.

Hawks Netball will head into the VNL clash as underdogs, but they have tasted success at lower levels back in 2019, and will be looking to take full advantage of a key SSN shooting inclusion. Kaylia Stanton has joined the brown and gold this season, and she will prove tricky to contain. The challenge for Hawks Netball will be to try and contain the powerful Cougars midcourt if they are to get it to her under the post.

Though not available at first, North Melbourne AFLW defender Jasmine Ferguson is another key player to remember for the Hawks. Though less known than their opponents, expect names such as twins Kirsty and Lorna Clark, as well as Kelsey Buxton and Enya Broadley to be key players across the board. If the Hawks can nullify the midcourt, then they have the height and firepower in the circle to do some damage.

In other matches, the south east rivalry between Peninsula Waves and 2019 runners-up Casey Demons will kick off their respective seasons, whilst Boroondara Express locks horns with Melbourne University Lightning in what should be a fascinating contest. The other two games on offer in Round 1 are City West Falcons up against North East Blaze, and Southern Saints taking on Ariels.

ROUND 1 FIXTURES: March 16

Boroondara Express vs. Melbourne University Lightning
Peninsula Waves vs. Casey Demons
City West Falcons vs. North East Blaze
Hawks Netball vs. Geelong Cougars
Southern Saints vs. Ariels