A huge weekend of Netball is in store with the chance continue early season form or buck the trend and cause an upset for some of the underdogs.
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Ballarat
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Lake Wendouree
SATURDAY APRIL 25TH - 3:30PM @ ALFREDTON RESERVE
Ballarat and Lake Wendouree start off Round 3, with the Lakers entering as clear early favourites based on both recent history and current form.
In 2025, Lake Wendouree controlled both matchups between these sides, and they’ve carried that momentum straight into 2026 with two strong wins to open their campaign.
Ballarat, on the other hand, are still searching for their first points and will be eager to make a statement.
Ballarat’s lineup shows plenty of potential. Dakota Blade and Famke McCallum will lead the attack, while Ava Richardson and Xara Burge will be crucial in linking play through the midcourt.
Defensively, Abbie O’Brien, Eliza Burge and Jacinta McKenzie will need to apply consistent pressure, with Sam Bakes offering flexibility from the bench.
Lake Wendouree, however, look settled and dangerous across all thirds.
Addison Funcke and Ebony Porter provide a strong and reliable combination in the goal circle, while Emma Hawker and Sadie Cheesman drive the play with precision through the midcourt.
Defensively, Rosie Todd, Remi Hooper and Kate Drew form a cohesive unit that has already proven difficult to break down, with Bella Clark and Audrey Domaille adding depth and versatility.
For Ballarat to challenge, they’ll need to bring intensity from the first whistle and maintain it across all four quarters, particularly by disrupting Lake Wendouree’s smooth ball movement.
Lake Wendouree will be focused on continuing their strong start and reinforcing their status as one of the teams to beat in 2026.
While Ballarat’s hunger for a win could spark a lift in performance, Lake Wendouree’s consistency and early-season form make them the team to beat heading into this clash.
Ballarat
GS Dakota Blade
GA Famke McCallum
WA Ava Richardson
C Xara Burge
WD Abbie O’Brien
GD Eliza Burge
GK Jacinta McKenzie
Sub Sam Bakes
Lake Wendouree
GS Addison Funcke
GA Ebony Porter
WA Emma Hawker
C Sadie Cheesman
WD Rosie Todd
GD Remi Hooper
GK Kate Drew
Sub Bella Clark
Sub Audrey Domaille
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Sunbury
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Melton
SATURDAY APRIL 25TH - 4:30PM @ CLARKE OVAL
It's an intriguing clash at Clarke Oval as Sunbury take on Melton in what shapes as a test of whether early-season trends will hold firm.
These two sides met twice in 2025, with Sunbury asserting clear dominance on both occasions.
Fast forward to 2026 and the Lions have again shown they’ll be a force, splitting their opening two games with one win and one loss, while Melton are still searching for their first breakthrough after two tough outings.
The big question—can Melton flip the script, or will Sunbury continue their strong hold over this matchup?
Under Kim Bailey, Sunbury look well-balanced right across the court. Charlize Bellette and Lani Fauonuku provide a potent combination in the goal circle, with Bellette’s strong holding game complemented by Fauonuku’s movement and finishing ability.
Through the midcourt, Georgia Hellyer, Tayla Honey and Sarah Croft bring speed and connection, while defensively Eliza Gollant, Elly Randall and Abi Ingles offer plenty of rebound and pressure.
Melton, led by new coach Brandon D’Monte, are still building their identity in 2026. There’s no shortage of talent, with Hayley Masinalupe and Tiarnah Lloyd forming their shooting duo, supported by Amelia Cini and Narena Baker through the midcourt.
Defensively, Kiara Boyd, Felecia Resture and Nadia Tupou will need to be at their absolute best to slow Sunbury’s attacking flow, while Loia Tuafafo adds depth from the bench.
For Melton to challenge, they’ll need to find consistency across four quarters and limit Sunbury’s ability to transition cleanly.
For Sunbury, it’s about continuing their composure and capitalising on their strong connections across the court.
Based on recent history and early form, Sunbury head in as favourites—but if Melton can execute D’Monte’s game plan and lift their defensive intensity, this one could be far more competitive than previous meetings.
Sunbury
GS - Charlize Bellette
GA – Lani Fauonuku
WA – Georgia Hellyer
C – Tayla Honey
WD – Sarah Croft
GD – Eliza Gollant
GK – Elly Randall
Sub Abi Ingles
Melton
GS Hayley Masinalupe
GA Tiarnah Lloyd
WA Amelia Cini
C Narena Baker
WD Kiara Boyd
GD Felicia Resture
GK Nadia Tupou
Subs Loia Tuafafo
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Darley
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vs
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Bacchus Marsh
SATURDAY APRIL 25TH - 4:30PM @ DARLEY PARK
The annual derby between Darley and Bacchus Marsh always brings extra intensity, and Round 3 is no exception with plenty on the line for both sides.
In 2025, Darley had the edge in both encounters, but this season shapes very differently.
Bacchus Marsh has come out firing in 2026 under head coach Nichole Gleeson, registering two wins and a very narrow loss to show they are well and truly in the mix.
They’ll head into this clash confident and ready to challenge a Darley outfit that has set the benchmark in recent years under Shannon Blackman’s strong leadership.
Darley’s strength lies in their cohesion and experience.
Olivia Cawthray and Akira McCormack combine well in the goal circle, offering a mix of strength and accuracy.
Through the midcourt, Lucy Taylor and Montana Holmes drive the play, with Jaimee Smith providing defensive pressure on the wing.
In defence, Anna Lawley and Matilda Elliot are proven performers, while Shannon Blackman adds valuable depth from the bench.
Bacchus Marsh, however, look more dynamic than ever in 2026.
Kimberly Philipps and Jasmine Paama will be key targets in the circle, while Melissa Prismall and Eliza Moodie bring energy and creativity through the midcourt.
Defensively, Ella Logan, Georgia Shattock and Avana Hobson form a solid unit capable of disrupting Darley’s flow, with Brianna De Haas ready to make an impact when called upon.
The key to this matchup will be whether Bacchus Marsh can convert their strong early-season form into a statement win against a side that has had their number in the past.
Darley will be relying on their composure and established connections, while Bacchus Marsh will look to bring intensity and belief to turn the tide.
Expect a fierce, physical contest with plenty of momentum swings. While Darley’s recent dominance can’t be ignored, Bacchus Marsh appears primed to push this one right to the wire—and potentially shake up the derby narrative in 2026.
Darley
GS Olivia Cawthray
GA Akira McCormack
WA Lucy Taylor
C Montana Holmes
WD Jaimee Smith
GD Anna Lawley
GK Matilda Elliot
Sub Shannon Blackman
Bacchus Marsh
GS Kimberly Philipps
GA Jasmine Paama
WA Melissa Prismall
C Eliza Moodie
WD Ella Logan
GD Georgia Shattock
GK Avana Hobson
SUB Brianna De Haas
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Sebastopol
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vs
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Redan
SATURDAY APRIL 25TH - 4:30PM @ MARTY BUSCH RESERVE
Sebastopol host Redan in Round 3 in what shapes as a fascinating clash between early-season form and last year’s results.
In 2025, Redan had the clear upper hand, winning both encounters convincingly. However, 2026 has told a very different story so far. Sebastopol have come out firing with two strong wins and look full of confidence, while Redan are still searching for consistency after two losses to start their campaign.
Right now, the momentum sits firmly with the Burra. Sebastopol are showcasing strong team dynamics and cohesion across the court, making them deserved favourites heading into this matchup.
Makayla Wright and Laura Bell will lead the scoring end for Sebastopol, supported by a hardworking midcourt of Hannah Atkinson and Tahlia Watts. Nikki Allen adds defensive pressure through the wing, while Jami Lurs and Alice Kane anchor the defence, with Tayla Finch and Sienna Muir providing valuable impact off the bench.
Redan, however, will be desperate to respond.
Eva Manserra and Stella Kane form their shooting combination, with Stacey Matthews and Grace Manserra driving through the midcourt.
Caitlin Farr will be key in applying defensive pressure, while Ashlee Smith and Erin Riley hold down the defensive circle.
With Sienna Manserra, Abby Poulton and Kirsten Andrich available to rotate, Redan have depth—they just need to find the right mix.
The key to this game will be whether Sebastopol can maintain their composure and continue their strong ball movement under pressure, or if Redan can lift their intensity and rediscover the form that saw them dominate this matchup in 2025.
Based on current form, Sebastopol go in as deserved favourites. But with Redan eager to prove a point, expect a highly competitive contest with plenty of physicality and intent from both sides.
Sebastopol
GS Makayla Wright
GA Laura Bell
WA Hannah Atkinson
C Tahlia Watts
WD Nikki Allen
GD Jami Luhrs
GK Alice Kain
Sub Tayla Finch
Sub Sienna Muir
Redan
GS Eva Manserra
GA Stella Kane
WA Stacey Matthews
C Grace Manserra
WD Caitlin Farr
GD Ashlee Smith
GK Erin Riley
Sub Sienna Manserra
Sub Abby Poulton
Sub Kirsten Andrich
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North Ballarat
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vs
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East Point
SUNDAY APRIL 26TH - 2:30PM @ MARS STADIUM
The final match of Round 3 sees North Ballarat host East Point in a clash that has historically leaned heavily one way, but with 2026 still in its early stages, both sides have plenty to play for.
North Ballarat has dominated this matchup across 2025 and has carried that momentum straight into this season, opening 2026 with two strong wins and looking every bit the well-drilled outfit once again.
East Point, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win of the year and will be desperate to turn their fortunes around.
The Roosters will head into this clash with an unchanged and settled line-up, a sign of their consistency and growing combinations.
Maddy Selmon and Poppy Douglass lead the shooting end, supported by Georgia Bodey and Kelsie Rainbow through the midcourt.
Defensively, Brydi Hutchinson, Milly Simpson and Maggie Smith provide structure and intercept potential, with Maddie Fitzpatrick adding impact off the bench.
East Point, however, have made a key change through their midcourt this week in search of a spark.
Keele Hillas and Jeremi Robinson will look to lead the scoring, with Rhiannon White and Abby Kinnersly steering the ball through the centre.
Bella Stevens and Stella Geljon anchor the defensive end, with Sarah Augustine in goal defence.
Bridey McElligott and Tess Geljon provide further options from the bench as they look to inject energy and flexibility.
The key question is whether that midcourt adjustment can shift the momentum against a North Ballarat side that is highly structured and in strong form.
The Roosters’ consistency and connection across all thirds have been a major strength, while East Point will be banking on their changes to unlock something different in transition.
North Ballarat go in as clear favourites based on form and history, but East Point will be hoping the tweak in their line-up can finally spark their first win of 2026.
North Ballarat
GS Maddy Selmon
GA Poppy Douglass
WA Georgia Bodey
C Kelsie Rainbow
WD Brydi Hutchinson
GD Milly Simpson
GK Maggie Smith
Sub Maddie Fitzpatrick
Sub Lilly Francis
Sub Amy Wirth
East Point
GS Keele Hillas
GA Jeremi Robinson
WA Rhiannon White
C Abby Kinnersly
WD Bella Stevens
GD Stella Geljon
GK Sarah Augustine
Sub Bridey McElligott
Sub Tess Geljon
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