Weekend Express
The quotes, stats and storylines to the Australian weekend in sport.
FOOTBALL
A-League
Just two rounds remain until finals, and the majority of top six spots remain in play.
History will be made this weekend with Canberra United’s Matildas striker Michelle Heyman set to play A-League game 200, the first player to accomplish the milestone. Canberra’s clash with Wellington will be crucial for the finals race - a win will put them in pole position for sixth spot, while Phoenix need the three points if they’re any chance of playing finals.
A Canberra win on Sunday would also eliminate Sydney and Perth from the finals equation, however those two sides play off earlier on Saturday afternoon.
Elsewhere, a Melbourne City win over Newcastle at AAMI Park on Friday afternoon will take them one step closer to a second straight Premier’s Plate, while a couple of hours later their crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory can keep the pressure on with a win over the in-form Central Coast Mariners in Gosford.
Victory skipper Kayla Morrison (below) told HER WAY she’s looking forward to the Mariners clash:
“I really enjoy playing them, I think they bring the best out of us. We’ve secured a top two spot now, so I think we can play with less anxiety and pressure, and we can put pressure on City now.”
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Where: Melbourne, Gosford, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane
RUGBY UNION
Super W Grand Final
The NSW Waratahs host Queensland Reds in Saturday’s decider, with more than simply state pride on the line.
For the Reds, it’s a chance to lift the trophy for the very first time, having finished runners up in three previous Grand Finals, and being denied a chance in 2020 when COVID ended the season prematurely.
It’s also a chance for a couple of former Waratah stars to get a W over their former team, with scrum half Layne Morgan and front row cult hero Eva Karpani coming up against their old side. Karpani enters the final in great form, crossing for a hat trick of tries in last week’s semi final win over Fijiana.
With Morgan, Lori Cramer and Rugby Sevens superstar Charlotte Caslick at fullback, the Reds have a creative and experienced spine who will be hoping to control field position. Conversely for the Waratahs, their teenage fullback star Caitlyn Halse is named for her first start of the season, ready to combine with the experienced Bella McKenzie and Tatum Bird.
The five time Champion Waratahs will be missing one co-captain, with Piper Duck being injured in last week’s win over Western Force, but Emily Chancellor will lead the side with extra motivation, having missed last year’s title with an ACL injury.
In their previous meeting this season, the Waratahs ran away with the game in the second half after a fairly even first 40 minutes. On that occasion, most of the Reds’ points were set up or scored by Sevens stars Teagan Levi and Kahli Heywood, neither of whom will be in action on Saturday.
When: Saturday afternoon
Where: North Sydney Oval
ATHLETICS
Australian Open Champs, Perth
With a host of national records broken in fast conditions during last week’s Age Championships, the stage is set for more incredible performances by Australia’s best track and field athletes over the next few days.
FRIDAY -
Teen Paralympian Telaya Blacksmith is one to watch in the U20 Para 200
400m Hurdles Heats featuring Olympians Alanah Yukich and Sarah Carli
100m Para W’Chair: Paralympic team captain Angie Ballard, Paris teammate Sarah Clifton-Bligh, teen star Coco Espie and Gliders wheelchair basketballer Taishar Ovens, with many backing up several hours later for the 400m.
100m Heats: Record holder Torrie Lewis, in-form Kristie Edwards and Paris semi finalist Bree Rizzo coming up against 17yr old spring Leah O’Brien, who broke a 57yr old record on Tuesday
Claudia Hollingsworth will again look to go under the 2min mark in the 800m Heats, battling Abbey Caldwell
SATURDAY -
Javelin Final: Olympic finalist Mackenzie Little and former 2 x World Champ Kelsey-Lee Barber headline
100m PA Heats: Rhiannon Clarke and Mali Lovell continue their battles
1500m Final: Olympic silver medalist Jess Hull won her heat - she’ll clash with fellow Olympians Linden Hall and Georgia Griffith.
400m Final: Maurie Plant winner Ellie Beer is up against Indoor World Champs Jemma Pollard and Bella Pasquali.
100m Final
SUNDAY -
200m Para Heats and Finals: Paralympic stars Mali Lovell and Rhiannon Clarke again go head-to-head, along with Abby Craswell and Ella Pardy.
100m Hurdles Heats: young star Delta Amidzovski up against Olympics veteran Liz Clay and Michelle Jenneke, returning after being injured while competing at the Paris games
Long Jump Final: a new champ will be decided, with perennial favourite Brooke Buschkuehl currently pregnant - Samantha Dale and Current U20 World Champ Delta Amidzovski will be two of the favourites.
High Jump Final: Olympic and Indoor World Champs medalists Nicola Olyslagers and Eleanor Patterson continue their rivalry.
Finals of 800m, 200m, 400m Hurdles, 100m Hurdles
For Bree Rizzo (below), after a semi final appearance in the 100m at the Paris Olympics, she is hoping to tick another box this weekend:
“I’m really looking forward to Nationals, really hunting the win this year. I’ve got second three times in a row, and I fell sick last year. So I’m really hunting that win and hoping for a strong race.”
When: Friday - Sunday
Where: Perth Athletics Stadium
NETBALL
Super Netball, Round 2
The Adelaide Thunderbirds got their premiership defence off to the perfect start against Melbourne Vixens, while the Swifts look to have put a disappointing 2024 behind them with a performance of authority, led by star signing Grace Nweke and Diamonds defender Sarah Klau.
The Swifts are at home this weekend to take on the Mavericks, with a couple of ex-Swifts, Taylor Fraser and injury replacement shooter Uneeq Palavi, to wear blue.
In the opening game of the weekend, the Queensland Firebirds come into their home clash as winners after an impressive performance in Sydney last week. They’ll be playing a West Coast Fever desperate to bounce back after one of their heaviest home losses in recent history. Also in the Queensland, the Sunshine Coast Lightning have sold out their home clash with the Thunderbirds.
Melbourne Vixens and Giants clash in the final game of the round at John Cain Arena. Both will be keen to have a victory to escape a 0-2 record to start the season.
When: Saturday, Sunday
Where: Brisbane, Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne
National Netball Champs, Sydney
The best next generation talent from across Australia continues to represent their states at Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park in both U17 and U19 divisions.
Players from last year’s tournament have already made their mark in 2025’s Super Netball competition, including Grace Whyte for the Swifts, and debutant Hope White making a memorable debut for the Giants last week in front of many of her NSW U19 teammates.
When: Friday - Sunday
Where: Netball Central, Sydney
BASKETBALL
National U18/Junior Wheelchair Champs, Brisbane
Vic Metro and NSW Metro finished the pool games undefeated in their respective groups, and are no doubt favourites to feature in the gold medal game. NSW Metro have been led by New Zealand U17 forward Olivia Hastings, while Aussie U18 star Sitaya Fagan and dual sport athlete Daisy Nousis have been good for the Vic.
Friday will see the Quarter Finals and Classification games, followed by the Semis on Saturday and Medal Matches on Sunday.
Meanwhile in the Junior Wheelchair tournament, almost a third of the competitors are female, and every team features female players - each state has one female player who is in the Australian Gliders squad.
The final pool games are Friday, with Semis on Saturday and winners decided on Sunday morning.
When: Friday - Sunday
Where: Nissan Arena, Brisbane
NBL1
With East, South, Central and West conferences continue this weekend.
In the South, there’s a battle between WNBL first test sensations when Abbey Ellis and Diamond Valley take on Bonnie Deas’ Frankston.
Some star players may be missing with an extended Opals squad having been in camp this week in Melbourne.
For a full list of games, check the NBL1 site.
When: Friday - Sunday
Where: Various locations
CRICKET
Australia A v England A, Sydney
With the limited overs matches come and dusted, this weekend is a rare chance for the fringe and next generation players from both Australia and England to play some red ball cricket in a four day match.
Queensland’s Charli Knott will captain the Aussie A squad which includes youngsters Sianna Ginger and Ella Hayward, NSW WNCL heroes Anika Leadoyd and Tahlia Wilson, plus experienced Victorian stars Nicole Faltum and Sophie Day.
England’s former Under 19 captain Grace Scrivens will skipper the England A team.
When: Saturday - Sunday
Where: Cricket Central, Sydney Olympic Park
SWIMMING
National Age Champs, Brisbane
Australia’s best young Able Bodied and Para swimmers are in Brisbane for the National Age Championships at Chandler Pool.
The Multiclass races are already underway, with Able Bodied to start on Saturday.