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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.