Netball Weekend Preview - Round 12, 2026
Round 11 delivered another important weekend in the BFNL A Grade competition, with Darley continuing to set the benchmark while several finals contenders produced statement performances in tightly contested matchups.
Darley were again dominant in their 56–35 win over Redan, controlling the game through strong midcourt transition and efficient scoring. Melton produced four competitive quarters against East Point but were overrun late in a 59–43 result, while Ballarat proved too strong for Bacchus Marsh with a commanding 73–43 victory.
Lake Wendouree and Sunbury produced the match of the round, with the Lakers holding on in a thrilling 53–50 contest. North Ballarat and Sebastopol could not be separated in another high-quality clash, finishing in a 56-all draw after a dramatic final quarter.
The results continue to shape an increasingly competitive ladder, with Darley maintaining top form, while Lake Wendouree, North Ballarat, Sebastopol and Ballarat continue to build momentum heading toward the business end of the season.
In Form
Darley, Lake Wendouree, Ballarat
Building
North Ballarat, Sebastopol, Sunbury
Seeking Response
Redan, Bacchus Marsh, Melton
Wildcard
East Point
Darley
vs
East Point
SATURDAY JULY 11TH - 2.30PM @ DARLEY PARK
Momentum: Darley
Darley continue to set the benchmark of the competition after another convincing four-quarter performance against Redan. Montana Holmes again controlled play through the midcourt with her composure and speed in transition, while Olivia Cawthray continued her strong scoring form inside the goal circle. Darley’s ability to convert turnover opportunities remains one of their biggest strengths.
East Point were too strong for Melton in Round 11, with Stella Geljon making life difficult for opposition feeders through strong defensive pressure, while Rhiannon White backed up strongly in mid defence to create valuable turnovers. East Point’s ability to finish strongly across the final stages of the game proved decisive.
Key Match-Up
- Darley’s attacking connection vs East Point’s defensive pressure
What to Watch
- Darley’s ability to maintain their high scoring output
- East Point’s defensive transition under sustained pressure
- Midcourt speed and turnover conversion
Prediction
Darley’s form and depth across all thirds makes them difficult to tip against, particularly with their current attacking efficiency.
Darley Team List
GS - Olivia Cawthray
GA - Akira McCormack
WA - Montana Holmes
C - Shannon Blackman
WD - Jaimee Smith
GD - Anna Lawley
GK - Matilda Elliot
Sub - Sarah Mason
East Point Team List
GK – Grace Rodgers
GD – Stella Geljon
WD – Rhiannon White
C – Isabella Stevens
WA – Abby Kinnersly
GA – Jeremi Robinson
GS – Keele Hillas
Sub – Evie Rooney
Sub – Bridey McElligott
Melton
vs
Lake Wendouree
SATURDAY JULY 11TH - 2.30PM @ MACPHERSON PARK
Momentum: Lake Wendouree
Melton showed strong improvement despite their loss to East Point, producing four competitive quarters. Payton Simeki was influential in goals, while Makelata Simeki created major impact in defence at the other end of the court. Melton’s defensive intensity and effort across the game was a positive sign moving forward.
Lake Wendouree enter the round with strong momentum following their narrow win over Sunbury. Ebony Porter continued her consistent scoring form, while Audrey Domaille’s defensive pressure and ability to create turnover ball were critical in key moments.
Key Match-Up
- Melton’s defensive pressure vs Lake Wendouree’s attacking movement
What to Watch
- Whether Melton can maintain intensity across four quarters
- Lake Wendouree’s speed through transition
- Shooting efficiency under defensive pressure
Prediction
Melton’s competitiveness continues to improve, but Lake Wendouree’s current form and defensive strength should see them take control across the second half.
Melton Team List
GK – Jacqui Mitrevski
GD – Emma Vitalone
WD – Sydney Hayes
C – Vanessa McIntosh
WA – Jade Fisher
GA – Ebony Carter
GS – Holly Mason
Sub – Felicia Toleafoa
Lake Wendouree Team List
GS – Addison Funcke
GA – Ebony Porter
WA – Emma Hawker
C – Sadie Cheeseman
WD – Rosie Todd
GD – Remi Hooper
GK – Audrey Domaille
Sub – Bella Clark
Sub – Demi Thompson
North Ballarat
vs
Bacchus Marsh
SATURDAY JULY 11TH - 2.30PM @ MARS STADIUM
Momentum: North Ballarat
North Ballarat enters Round 12 after an intense draw with Sebastopol, where both sides produced high-level netball across all four quarters. North created extra opportunities throughout much of the game and held narrow leads at every break, with Maggie Smith producing an outstanding performance in defence. The defensive pressure and transition speed through midcourt again proved a major strength.
Sebastopol responded late, with their control in the final quarter helping generate extra scoring opportunities to secure the draw. Adut Manyiel was again a dominant presence in goals, creating one of the key matchups of the round against Maggie Smith.
Bacchus Marsh were unable to contain Ballarat’s scoring power despite producing four strong quarters of netball. They showed periods of impressive transition play, moving the ball effectively through the midcourt. However, they struggled to consistently slow Ballarat’s attacking flow and limit their scoring opportunities.
Key Match-Up
- North Ballarat’s defensive pressure vs Bacchus Marsh’s ball movement through transition
What to Watch
- Whether Bacchus Marsh can sustain scoreboard pressure across four quarters
- North Ballarat’s ability to capitalise on turnover ball
- Defensive intensity through the midcourt battle
Prediction
North Ballarat’s consistency and defensive depth should see them control the contest, but Bacchus Marsh have shown enough competitiveness to challenge for periods.
North Ballarat Team List
GS – Maddy Selmon
GA – Poppy Douglass
WA – Georgia Bodey
C – Lilly Francis
WD – Brydi Hutchinson
GD – Milly Simpson
GK – Maggie Smith
Sub – Maddy Fitzpatrick
Sub – Kelsie Rainbow
Sub – Amy Wirth
Bacchus Marsh Team List
GS – Kimberly Phillips
GA – Jasmine Paama
WA – Melissa Prismall
C – Eliza Moodie
WD – Ella Logan
GD – Georgia Shattock
GK – Avana Hobson
Sub – Olivia Phyland
Sub – Chloe Eyre
Sebastopol
vs
Ballarat
SATURDAY JULY 11TH - 2.30PM @ MARTY BUSCH RESERVE
Momentum: Ballarat
Sebastopol continue to build strong form after a thrilling draw with North Ballarat. Adut Manyiel was again influential in goals, while Tahlia Watts controlled the final quarter to help create late scoring opportunities. Sebastopol’s ability to stay composed under pressure continues to be a major strength.
Ballarat delivered one of their most complete performances of the season against Bacchus Marsh. Ellie Bird was the game changer for Ballarat with an impressive 55 goals at 98% accuracy in only her second appearance for the club. Ballarat’s attacking connection and ability to convert from turnover ball gave them scoreboard control early.
Key Match-Up
- Sebastopol’s defensive pressure vs Ballarat’s shooting accuracy
What to Watch
- Ballarat’s ability to sustain offensive momentum
- Sebastopol’s transition speed through midcourt
- Rebounding and second-phase opportunities
Prediction
This shapes as one of the strongest contests of the round, but Sebastopol’s consistency and defensive structure may prove the difference in a close finish.
Sebastopol Team List
GS – Adut Manyiel
GA – Laura Bell
WA – Hannah Atkinson
C – Tahlia Watts
WD – Nikki Allen
GD – Taylor Finch
GK – Alice Kain
Sub – Makayla Wright
Sub – Jami Luhrs
Sub – Sienna Muir
Ballarat Team List
GS - Dakota Blade
GA - Ava Richardson
WA - Ella Shannon
C - Xara Burge
WD - Jacinta McKenzie
GD - Fionnuala McKeagney Stubbs
GK - Eliza Burge
Sub - Sam Bakes
Sunbury
vs
Redan
SATURDAY JULY 11TH - 2.30PM @ CLARKE OVAL
Momentum: Sunbury
Sunbury narrowly fell to Lake Wendouree in one of the games of the season, despite being without several key players. Abigail Inglis was again outstanding through the midcourt, creating strong transition and defensive pressure throughout the game. Sunbury had opportunities late but were unable to regain momentum in the closing stages.
Redan will look to respond after a difficult outing against Darley. Stacey Matthews continued her strong form through midcourt, battling hard to create opportunities, but Redan struggled to consistently convert under Darley’s pressure.
Key Match-Up
- Sunbury’s midcourt transition vs Redan’s defensive pressure
What to Watch
- Sunbury’s response after a narrow loss
- Redan’s ability to convert scoring opportunities
- Defensive pressure around circle edge feeds
Prediction
Sunbury’s pace through midcourt and ability to generate attacking opportunities should give them the edge at home.
Sunbury Team List
GS – Caitlyn Hill
GA – Lani Fauonuku
WA – Georgia Hellyer
C – Tayla Honey
WD – Abi Inglis
GD – Eliza Gollant
GK – Elly Randall
Sub – Charlize Bellette
Sub – Taylah Easton
Redan Team List
GK – Kirsten Andrich
GD – Ashley Smith
WD – Caitlin Farr
C – Grace Manserra
WA – Stacey Matthews
GA – Eva Manserra
GS – Stella Kane
Sub – Rebecca Langley
Sub – Abby Poulton
Round 12 shapes as another critical weekend in the BFNL A Grade season, with several key matchups likely to influence ladder positioning and finals momentum. All teams have come off their bye and enter the round rested, setting up the final seven games before finals.
Darley continue to lead the competition standard and face another important test against an improving East Point side capable of applying strong defensive pressure. North Ballarat return home looking to respond strongly after their draw with Sebastopol, while Bacchus Marsh search for greater four-quarter consistency against one of the competition’s strongest defensive units.
Sebastopol and Ballarat shape as one of the games of the round, with both sides carrying strong momentum and attacking confidence into the clash. Lake Wendouree will aim to continue their impressive defensive form against an improving Melton line-up, while Sunbury and Redan both search for a valuable win to keep pressure on the finals race.
With defensive intensity continuing to define results and several teams finding strong late-season form, Round 12 promises another high-quality weekend of BFNL A Grade netball.