Following a Good Friday teaser, a full slate of Round 1 beckons with grand final rematches, local rivalries and action under lights!
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Lake Wendouree
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vs
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Redan
SATURDAY APRIL 11TH - 2:30PM @ CE BROWN RESERVE
Round 1 A Grade netball kicks off with a highly anticipated clash between Lake Wendouree and Redan, with both sides looking to set the tone early in the 2026 season.
These two teams built a strong rivalry in 2025, with both encounters producing tight contests.
Redan got the upper hand in Round 9 with a narrow four-goal win, before Lake Wendouree responded in Round 17, turning the tables with a convincing nine-goal victory.
With honours split last season, there’s plenty on the line heading into their first meeting this year.
Both Clubs will showcase some fresh faces in 2026, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup.
Lake Wendouree will look to their attacking combination of Addison Funke (GS) and Ebony Porter (GA) to provide scoreboard pressure, while Emma Hawker and Rosie Todd will be key through the midcourt.
Defensively, Audrey Domaille, Remi Hooper and Kate Drew will aim to limit Redan’s scoring opportunities.
Redan, however, boast a strong and dynamic lineup of their own.
Eva Manserra (GS) and Stella Kane (GA) will lead the charge in attack, supported by Stacey Matthews and Grace Manserra through the midcourt.
Their defensive end, featuring Caitlin Farr, Sienna Manserra and Erin Riley, will be crucial in applying pressure and generating turnover ball.
With both teams evenly matched and eager to start their season with a win, expect a fast-paced and competitive contest. Round 1 shapes as an early statement game for both Lake Wendouree and Redan.
Lake Wendouree
GS Addison Funke
GA Ebony Porter
WA Emma Hawker
C Rosie Todd
WD Audrey Domaille
GD Remi Hooper
GK Kate Drew
Sub Bella Clark
Sub Demi Thompson
Redan
GS Eva Manserra
GA Stella Kane
WA Stacey Matthews
C Grace Manserra
WD Caitlin Farr
GD Sienna Manserra
GK Erin Riley
Sub Ashlee Smith
Sub Abby Poulton
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Melton
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vs
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Bacchus Marsh
SATURDAY APRIL 11TH - 2:30PM @ MACPHERSON PARK
A Grade action sees Melton take on Bacchus Marsh, with both sides entering the season with plenty to prove.
Melton begin a new chapter in 2026 under the guidance of Head Coach Brandon D’Monte.
After falling to Bacchus Marsh in both encounters last season (52–38 and 47–31), Melton will be eager to close the gap and show improvement in this opening round clash.
With several new additions to their lineup, there’s a renewed sense of energy and opportunity within the group.
Their Round 1 side features Hayley Masinalupe Tautasi (GS) and Tiarnah Lloyd-Roeby (GA) leading the attack, while Amelia Cini and Emily Jelesic will be key through the midcourt.
Defensively, Maya Eastwood, Felicia Toleafoa and Nadia Tupou will be tasked with applying pressure and generating turnover ball.
Bacchus Marsh, meanwhile, come into Round 1 with momentum already on their side after securing a win over East Point in the standalone Good Friday Round 0 fixture.
They will be looking to continue that form and build an early-season winning streak, naming an unchanged lineup.
Kimberly Philipps (GS) and Jasmine Paama (GA) will once again lead the scoring efforts, supported by Melissa Prismall and Eliza Moodie through the midcourt.
Defensively, Ella Logan, Georgia Shattock and Avana Hobson will look to restrict Melton’s attacking flow, with Remy Day and Jaimee Walsh providing options off the bench.
While Bacchus Marsh enter the contest as favourites based on recent form and results, Melton’s fresh lineup and new coaching direction make them an exciting prospect.
Expect Melton to come out with intent, while Bacchus Marsh will be focused on maintaining their strong start to the season.
Melton
GS Hayley Masinalupe Tautasi
GA Tiarnah Lloyd-Roeby
WA Amelia Cini
C Emily Jelesic
WD Maya Eastwood
GD Felicia Toleafoa
GK Nadia Tupou
Bacchus Marsh
GS Kimberly Philpps
GA Jasmine Paama
WA Melissa Prismall
C Eliza Moodie
WD Ella Logan
GD Georgia Shattock
GK Avana Hobson
Sub Remy Day
Sub Jaimee Walsh
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North Ballarat
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vs
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Ballarat
SATURDAY APRIL 11TH - 2:30PM @ MARS STADIUM
Round 1 A Grade action sees North Ballarat take on Ballarat in what shapes as an intriguing season opener, particularly given their contrasting fortunes in 2025.
North Ballarat had the upper hand in both meetings last year, recording two dominant wins.
They opened their 2025 campaign against Ballarat with a commanding 73–34 victory in Round 1, before backing it up again in Round 11 with a 77–38 result.
Those performances will give North Ballarat plenty of confidence heading into this matchup.
However, Ballarat will be eager to turn the page in 2026, with a refreshed lineup bringing new energy and optimism to the group.
Their Round 1 side features Famke McCallum (GS) and Dakota Blade (GA) in the goal circle, with Ella Shannon, Xara Burge and Jacinta McKenzie forming the midcourt. Defensively, Eliza Burge, Ava Richardson and the bench options will be looking to apply strong pressure and limit North Ballarat’s scoring opportunities.
North Ballarat also enter the season with a new voice at the helm, welcoming Head Coach Maddie Fitzpatrick.
Their Round 1 lineup remains strong, with Maddy Selmon (GS) and Poppy Douglass (GA) leading the attack, while Georgia Bodey and Kelsie Rainbow provide drive through the midcourt.
Defenders Brydi Hutchinson, Milly Simpson and Maggie Smith will be key in maintaining their defensive strength, with Fitzpatrick also named on the bench.
While North Ballarat will start favourites based on last season’s results, Round 1 always brings fresh opportunity.
Ballarat will be keen to close the gap and make an early statement, while North Ballarat will be out to reinforce their standing as one of the competition’s benchmark teams.
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
Ballarat
GS Famke McCallum
GA Dakota Blade
WA Ella Shannon
C Xara Burge
WD Jacinta McKenzie
GD Eliza Burge
GK Ava Richardson
Sub Abbie O’Brien
Sub Bree Lane
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Darley
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vs
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Sunbury
SATURDAY APRIL 11TH - 2:30PM @ DARLEY PARK
MATCH OF THE ROUND - WATCH LIVE VIA BFNL.COM.AU
This Round 1 A Grade game will deliver an immediate blockbuster, with Darley and Sunbury going head-to-head in a 2025 Grand Final rematch.
It was Darley who claimed premiership glory last season, edging out Sunbury by five goals in a hard-fought decider.
Across the 2025 home and away season, the two sides shared the honours. Sunbury struck first with a dominant 60–39 win in their opening clash, before Darley responded in Round 10 with an impressive 11-goal victory.
With both teams having proven they can take control, this matchup promises another high-quality contest.
Both sides will be without some key players due to Netball Nationals commitments, however the depth across both lists ensures this will still be a strong, competitive showing.
Darley’s Round 1 lineup features a solid attacking combination in Sarah Mason (GS) and Akira McCormack (GA), with Lucy Taylor and Montanna Holmes driving through the midcourt.
Defensively, Jaimee Smith, Anna Lawley and Matilda Elliot will be tasked with limiting Sunbury’s scoring opportunities, while Shannon Blackman and Sarah Crowley provide depth from the bench.
Sunbury will counter with Caitlyn Hill (GS) and Chelsea Amore (GA) leading the attack, supported by Sarah Croft and Taylor Honey through the midcourt.
Their defensive end, featuring Emily Conn, Eliza Gollant and Elly Randall, will look to apply pressure and create turnover ball, with Emily Gollant, Ava Hellyer and Hollee Cootee offering options from the bench.
With recent history, premiership pride, and Round 1 momentum all on the line, expect a fierce and fast-paced contest.
This Grand Final rematch is the perfect way to open the 2026 A Grade season.
Darley
GS Sarah Mason
GA Akira McCormack
WA Lucy Taylor
C Montanna Holmes
WD Jaimee Smith
GD Anna Lawley
GK Matilda Elliot
Sub Shannon Blackman
Sub Sarah Crowley
Sunbury
GS Caitlyn Hill
GA Chelsea Amore
WA Sarah Croft
C Taylor Honey
WD Emily Conn
GD Eliza Gollant
GK Elly Randall
Sub Emily Gollant
Sub Ava Hellyer
Sub Holly Cootee
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Sebastopol
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vs
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East Point
SATURDAY APRIL 11TH - 4:30PM @ MARTY BUSCH RESERVE
Sebastopol and East Point round out the opening weekend of A Grade action, with both sides eager to make an early statement in 2026.
Their matchups in 2025 were evenly split. East Point claimed the first meeting; however Sebastopol responded strongly later in the season, securing a solid 47–35 win.
With both teams having tasted success against each other, this contest shapes as another tight battle.
Sebastopol head into Round 1 with a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent and will be looking to hit the ground running.
Their attacking end features Adut Manyiel (GS) and Laura Bell (GA), while Hannah Atkinson and Tahlia Watts will drive through the midcourt.
Defensively, Nikki Allen, Jami Luhrs and Alice Kain will play a crucial role in disrupting East Point’s flow, with Makayla Wright, Taylor Finch and Sienna Muir providing depth from the bench.
East Point come into the match off the back of a narrow loss to Bacchus Marsh in the standalone Round 0 Good Friday fixture.
While they showed strong passages of play, accuracy in front of goal will be an area of focus heading into this clash.
Their Round 1 lineup sees Keele Hillas (GS) and Jeremi Robinson (GA) combine in attack, supported by Bridey McElligott and Rhiannon White through the midcourt.
Defenders Isabella Stevens, Sarah Augustine and Stella Geljon will be key in applying pressure, with Lily McGuiness, Abby Kinnersly and Tess Geljon offering options off the bench.
With both teams capable of strong performances and keen to start their season on the right note, this shapes as a competitive and evenly matched contest to close out Round 1.
Sebastopol
GS - Adut Manyiel
GA - Laura Bell
WA - Hannah Atkinson
C - Tahlia Watts
WD - Nikki Allen
GD - Jami Luhrs
GK - Alice Kain
SUB - Makayla Wright
SUB - Taylor Finch
SUB - Sienna Muir
East Point
GS Keele Hillas
GA Jeremi Robinson
WA Bridey McElligott
C Rhiannon White
WD Isabella Stevens
GD Sarah Augustine
GK Stella Geljon
SUB Lily McGuiness
SUB Abby Kinnersly
SUB Tess Geljon
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