Premiers City West Falcons will be part of the expanded Victorian Netball League competition next year.
Netball Victoria sought applications from clubs from across the state for the competition, which will now consist of championship and 23-and-under divisions.
The new format will align with other state league competitions in Australia.
All existing clubs had to reapply for a licence, with all but one club successful in their applications.
The Ariels are the one club to miss out on being in the new-look competition, with three new teams joining the competition.
The Bendigo Strikers, Gippsland Stars and Melton-based Western Warriors enter Victoria’s premier netball competition as part of exciting changes set to help grow the game across the state.
The Strikers and Stars join existing club Geelong Cougars in representing regional Victoria, reflecting the strength of the game and passionate netball fanbase outside of Melbourne.
The Stars will initially field a 23-and-under team before entering the championship division by 2027, meaning a bye in the championship division initially.
The introduction of the Warriors addresses the fast-growing appetite for the game in Melbourne’s booming north-west fringe.
The three new clubs are based in parts of the state identified in Netball Victoria’s broader growth strategy.
Clubs will be allowed up to two development teams, competing in and bolstering feeder competitions, as part of their club pathway.
The competition make up will be the Bendigo Strikers, Boroondara Express, Casey Demons, City West Falcons, Geelong Cougars, Hawks Netball, Melbourne University Lightning, North East Blaze, Peninsula Waves
Western Warriors, Wilson Storage Southern Saints and Gippsland Pride.
Netball Victoria chief executive Andrea Pearman said it was an existing time for netball in the state.
“We are excited to welcome three new clubs to the Victorian Netball League following a highly competitive application process,” she said..
“The inclusion of these clubs will ensure more athletes, coaches and officials from regional Victoria and north-western Melbourne are represented in our premier competition and showcase the exceptional talent and passion for netball in those regions.”
“We thank all the applicants for their commitment to the licensing process, which was reflected in the high quality of applications received and which gives us great confidence in the passion and capability of our Victorian netball community.”
Netball Victoria thanked Ariels for their contribution to the VNL and is working closely with the club to manage the impact of the decision.
Tara Murray
