WITH the Victorian Netball League (VNL) set to kick off tomorrow, the City West Falcons will be keen to defend their premiership after coming from behind to beat favourites Melbourne University Lightning and the Geelong Cougars in the grand final. Given the depth of the three clubs they will be hoping to be at the top of the table once again credit to their hard work, clever use of the ball and ability to apply full court defence.

Ariels:

The Ariels struggled last season only managing to register the four wins for the season and will be wanting to improve on that this season. The likes of Samantha Gooden will play a huge role in the attacking end for the Ariels, credit to her attacking prowess, scoring ability and general netball know how. Kourtnee Baird proved to be an important player through the midcourt with her clever feeds working well with the likes of Beth Wilson in goals.

The Ariels are set to play Geelong in Round 1.

Boroondara:

After an up and down season Boroondara will want to make a name for themselves. With the likes of Lara Dunkley getting a call up to the Vixens the talented midcourter offers great precision with ball in hand across the court. Isabella Brown was a key player down in defence with her hands over pressure while Naomi Henry proved to be a handy inclusion in the goal circle contributing to the scoreboard week in week out.

Boroondara are playing Peninsula to start their 2019 assault.

Casey Demons:

The newly formed Casey Demons will spark plenty of attention with the side made up with a mix of experienced and young players. After retiring from Suncorp Super Netball Erin Bell is set to make her debut for the Demons while Emma Ryde is also set to pull on the dress for the first time with Casey. Both players are renowned for their ability to hit the scoreboard with Bell starring with her high release of the ball and clever baseline drives.

The Demons kick start their campaign against Melbourne University Lightning.

City West Falcons:

With the likes of Jane Cook and Jacqueline Newton set to return to the side the Falcons will be hoping to continue their dominance. Cook is renowned for her dominance under the post, high volume of shots and smooth movement in the circle making her an integral member on the netball court for the Falcons. While Newton has shown her defensive abilities representing the Vixens throughout her career.

The Falcons are set to play the Hawks this round.

Geelong Cougars:

After a disappointing grand final performance, the Cougars will be wanting to once again stamp their authority on the competition. Goal attack/goal shooter Zanna Woods proved to be a gun under the post with accuracy and volume no issue, combining well with her teammates Julia Woolley and Ruby Horton in the goal circle. Geelong also have the experience of Melissa Bragg and Vanessa Augustini who offer great drive through the court and are solid decision makers with ball in hand.

Geelong are playing the Ariels on Wednesday.

Hawks Netball:

With the loss of star shooter Kim Commane the Hawks will have to find someone who can fill her void this season such as Natalie Billings who proved her worth throughout the 2018 season. Commane was a shooting machine putting up her fair share of shots and opened up the circle to allow her shooting counterpart to impact the scoreboard. Clare Pettyfor and Kelsey Buxton worked well in defence and will be wanting to bring the same form into season 2019.

The Hawks are set to play City West Falcons.

Melbourne University Lightning:

Melbourne Uni had a successful 2018 season but fell just short losing in the preliminary final to eventual premiers the City West Falcons. After their dominant season they will be hoping to replicate their form and go one better with the likes of former Thunderbirds defender Fiona Fowler set to take the court for the Lightning. Collingwood training partner Kelsie Rainbow will also play a huge role in their attacking end credit to her flair and clever use of the ball. Football, cross coder Maggie Caris will also provide a great spark to the side with her ability to read the play and absorb the physicality of the sport.

The Lightning are set to play Casey Demons.

North East Blaze:

Blaze finished fifth last season after a relatively inconsistent season but will be wanting to build on their form and become a threat in season 2019. Elizabeth Nicol proved to be a dominant force in the goal circle for Blaze credit to her beautiful shot, accuracy to post, smooth movement and ability to use the angles to create space. Blaze will be without Cody Lange after the talented shooter moved to the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Defensively Kaitlyn Black is set to pull on the dress while Serena Gibbs is swapping the football for the netball.

The Blaze are facing the Southern Saints.

Peninsula Waves:

The Waves struggled at times last season finishing sixth on the ladder. They will be looking to the likes of Sharni Lamben to steer the ship this season and hopefully spark a climb up the ladder. The Collingwood training partner is solid across the court, applies good defensive pressure and will be a key asset for the Waves. Kate Kelly-Oman proved her worth in the attacking end, hitting the circle edge hard and using the ball well.

The Waves will take on Boroondara in their first match of the season.

Southern Saints:

Though the Southern Saints finished towards the bottom of the ladder they proved that they had the ability to be competitive and push some of the harder teams to their limits. In season 2019 they will be wanting to go one better and move up the ladder. Shooter, Taylor Dykstra displayed her handy work in the goal circle and will want to replicate that form again this season. Through the midcourt Ashleigh Newham and Caitlyn Alifraco combined well with their clever drives and good vision.

The Saints are set to play North East Blaze.