The countdown is officially on until finals with just three rounds left in the 2026 GDFNL A Grade netball season and Round 16 is filled with matchups that will shape the top five.
Bannockburn will be eager to defend its position in first as the Tigers take on East Geelong who have had great form this season with two fewer wins than Bannockburn in third place.
East Geelong was defeated by Winchelsea last round whilst Bannockburn returned to the winners' list against Bell Post Hill after their tough loss to Belmont Lions six days earlier.
“Our main goal this year was to make finals and to be in the top five, so to be sitting top of the ladder going into Round 16 is really exciting,” Bannockburn A Grade netball captain Sharon Ford said.
As the top five continues to tighten, East Geelong will be hoping to solidify their third-place position as Bannockburn continues to challenge any team that comes their way.
“I think our team has combined really well and we’ve become a really positive team,” A Grade leading goal scorer Lila Morris said.
Another top five matchup takes place this round between Winchelsea and Inverleigh who have both been in excellent form across the last few rounds.
Sitting at fourth on the ladder, Winchelsea has the potential to overtake East Geelong in third as they hope to end the season with consecutive wins against Geelong West and Corio.
Despite their strong position in second place, Inverleigh has a tough run home as they face Bannockburn in Round 17 after an already challenging contest against Winchelsea this round.
Up next in Round 16, the Werribee Centrals will take the court against the Belmont Lions who sit just within the top five after their impressive win against Bannockburn in Round 14.
As the reigning premiers, the Belmont Lions have a title to defend whilst Werribee Centrals will be looking to shake up the top five and gain another win for the season.
Whilst the Belmont Lions have everything to play for, Werribee Centrals are pressure-free and hungry for an upset against a competitive top five side.
Sitting just outside of the top five for finals is Thomson who will face the winless Geelong West Giants this round hoping to break into fifth place and keep their finals hopes alive.
Thomson featured in the grand final last year but were defeated by Belmont so this game against the Giants will hopefully prepare them to face the Belmont Lions in Round 17.
To close out an exciting round of netball, North Geelong will play against Bell Post Hill at home whilst Anakie take on Corio, who have been in red-hot form with back-to-back wins.
