Weekend Express
May 30-June 1, 2025
FOOTBALL
International
The Matildas continue their build up to the 2026 Asian Cup with a two match friendly series against Argentina - at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Friday night, before what’s expected to be a capacity crowd in Canberra early next week.
Some big names will be missing for the Tillies through injury - Mackenzie Arnold, Hayley Raso, Ellie Carpenter and Katrina Gorry are a few of those missing, however it’s still a strong squad, and Arsenal’s Champions League trio of Catley, Cooney-Cross and Foord will all feature.
There’s also some exciting young guns, including Central Coast Mariners champion and A-League Fan MVP Issy Gomez, Golden Boot winner Holly McNamara and her Melbourne City teammate Bryleeh Henry.
When: Friday night
Where: Melbourne
BASKETBALL
NBL1
It’s Heritage Round in the NBL1, with many of the long-standing community clubs celebrating their history.
Recently back from WNBA training camp in LA, Shaneice Swain is a chance to line up for a Nunawading in the South Conference, having signed during the week.
On Friday night Anneli Maley will be hoping to bring her amazing form to screens across the country on Kayo when her Perth Redbacks take on East Perth in the West.
There’s some big clashes on Saturday evening -
In the East, defending champs Newcastle welcome the undefeated Norths up the freeway. Recently re-signed Sydney Flame Carla Pitman is playing well for Norths, while WNBL Capital Nicole Munger has been solid for the Falcons.
In Victoria, the 11-0undefeated Geelong come up against a couple of Opals in Sara Blicavs and Issy Borlase and the Melbourne Tigers, while up North, newly-minted Opal Courtney Woods and Brisbane take on the inspirational Tiana Mangakahia and the Spartans.
When: Friday - Sunday
Where: Various locations
NETBALL
Super Netball, Round 8
Everyone has now played each other in Super Netball, so this week sees the return clashes of meetings from earlier this season.
The Swifts remain unbeaten through seven rounds and have a two game break over the rest of the competition, but that will be challenged by the two-time defending champion Adelaide Thunderbirds in the match of the round on Saturday night.
The other three games appear to have a strong favourite based on ladder positions compared to their opponents, but don’t underestimate those lower ranked teams.
Melbourne Mavericks will go to the Sunshine Coast knowing they won this corresponding match last year for their first ever win in Super Netball, while the Giants lost to Melbourne Vixens earlier this season but were in the game until late. The loss of Jodie-Ann Ward to the Giants defence is big, but Julie Fitzgerald’s young lineup, which had just one player over 23yrs old oncourt for most of the last quarter last week, will be be hoping to repeat their competitive performance.
The toughest assignment of the round is for QLD Firebirds. Having lost five straight games, they come up against a West Coast Fever side on a five match winning streak. Fever have won the last two of these Perth clashes by 20+ goals.
When: Saturday, Sunday
Where: Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Perth
WHEELCHAIR RUGBY
World Challenge/ National Champs
The Aussie Steelers started their campaign at home on Thursday with a 62-58 win over Germany. The female members of the squad - Shae Graham, Emilie Miller and debutant Liliana Prucha - all had solid court time from the opening quarter.
Australia will continue their campaign over the weekend in a battle with Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil, and New Zealand. The Kiwi side features Jacinta Richardson, who has spent plenty of time playing in the Australian league over the past couple of seasons. The finals of the event will take place on Sunday.
Alongside the international tournament, the National Championships are also taking place, featuring Australian development squad members and newer additions to the sport across two divisions.
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Where: Adelaide
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League (WNWBL)
The revamped league gets underway this weekend, with five semi regular rounds being played across the country between now and August.
One of the new teams, Victoria Wonders, will tip off the season at the State Basketball Centre when they welcome fellow newbies Adelaide to town starting a Friday night.
Half an hour later it’s a Sydney derby when the newly named Lions welcome the Blues, then on Saturday morning Gold Coast host Perth in their first ever home game.
All three series of games will feature three regulation games, plus two 3x3 matches. Fore more on the teams, check out HER WAY’s Season Preview.
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Where: Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast
DIVING
Australian Open
We’re halfway through the diving nationals at Sydney Olympic Park, with several Australian Olympians and some rising stars battling it out for Australian titles as well as spots on the team for World Championships later this year.
Paris silver medalist Maddi Keeney is missing due to injury, and the retirements of Melissa Wu and Anabelle Smith have opened the door for some new names to step up.
Teen Olympian Ellie Cole won the Platform Synchro with Milly Puckeridge earlier in the week, and the two will become rivals for the individual title on Saturday night.
Other names competing include international competitors Georgia Sheehan, Brittany O’Brien, Laura Hingston, World Junior Champ Maggie Grey and 2024 World Champion Alysha Koloi.
When: Friday - Sunday
Where: Sydney International Aquatic Centre
TOUCH FOOTBALL
National Championships
The best touch football players from across the country are in Coffs Harbour to determine the 2025 national champions, with ten teams in the Open Women’s tournament. With sides including WA, Victoria, ACT and NSW, they’ll all be chasing the defending champions University of Queensland Rebels.