Victorian Netball League moves to four-week finals series, 18 round home-and-away fixture in 2025
The Victorian Netball League will return in 2025 with a new-look home-and-away fixture and final series, as one franchise’s first foray into the top division will be tested by a tough opening month.
Netball
Don't miss out on the headlines from Netball. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Gippsland Stars will face trial by fire on entry into Victoria Netball League’s championship division in 2025, as the state league looks to expand to a six-team final series.
The Stars, who solely ran an 23-and-under team in their first year in competition in 2024, will play four of last season’s top six championship outfits in the first month of the new season, which kicks off March 12 at the State Netball Centre.
The two divisions will decrease their home-and-away rounds from 22 to 18 but extend the post-season from three weeks to four, with six clubs, instead of four, qualifying for finals starting July 23.
The grand final will be held August 13.
City West Falcons’ title defence starts against Western Warriors in round 1, with the Falcons out to win their fourth-straight championship crown.
Grand finalists Boroondara Express face Melbourne University in their opening game, while last year’s finalist Hawks and North East Blaze play Casey Demons and the Stars respectively.
But fans will have to wait until round 6 for a City West Falcons and Boroondara Express’ championship grand final rematch, and round 11 for its 23-and-under counterpart between Hawks and North East Blaze.
Close to 50 matches will be played at clubs’ home venues, with round 5 exclusively played away from the State Netball Centre.
Casey Demons host the most home fixtures, with three at Casey Stadium, while Bendigo Strikers will hold two games at Red Energy Arena, including a stand-alone Sunday game in round 1 against Peninsula.
Round 16’s First Nations round will see four clubs — Bendigo, Western Warriors, Geelong and City West Falcons – travel to Ballarat as part of a double-header.
The off-season has seen plenty of player movement across both divisions, while the league will be buoyed by the likes of star recruits Mwai Kumwenda at Peninsula Waves and Kristiana Manua at Bendigo Strikers.
More Coverage
Originally published as Victorian Netball League moves to four-week finals series, 18 round home-and-away fixture in 2025
Ricciardo’s harshest F1 critic ‘proven right’
The fortunes of Daniel Ricciardo have mirrored Australia’s battle with a nation that thoroughly outclassed Australia in sport in 2024.
Swifts call upon retired champion to replace co-captain for 2025
A dual premiership midcourter and code-switcher will come out of retirement to play with the NSW Swifts for the 2025 season, replacing the expecting co-captain, Maddy Proud.
How Aussie sport star turned a passion project into $1m idea
She’s the Mavericks’ fearless leader but off the court Amy Parmenter’s impact spreads far and wide. Here’s how she turned a passion project into a million dollars for cancer research.
‘Big market’: Victoria’s push for third Super Netball team
Expansion remains a big talking point in Super Netball and Netball Victoria is pushing the case for a third Victorian team in the state’s biggest growth area.
Star’s baby news could open door for Diamond’s Super Netball return
Speculation is already mounting over Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard’s replacement after the Super Netball star announced her pregnancy, with one big name linked to West Coast Fever.
Meek World Netball leaders need megaphone not cone of silence
World Netball’s decision to remain silent on exciting plans to commercialise its future show the battle the sport faces to move forward in a competitive women’s sport market.