Coach’s corner: Crombie with a point to prove at Netball Nationals
The 2024 National Netball Championships are fast approaching. While NSW reveal their new and returning names, one of Queensland’s top shooters is candid with the fact she has unfinished business on the national stage. Full story inside:
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The 2024 National Netball Championships are fast approaching as Australia’s eight states and territories finalise their rosters ahead of the week-long tournament in April.
While NSW reveal their new and returning names, one of Queensland’s top shooters is candid with the fact she has unfinished business on the national stage.
Scroll down for the full squad analysis of every state, starting with the lastest: NSW.
Gold Coast Titans goal shooter Tia Crombie has a chip on her shoulder ahead of the National Netball Championships.
The Queensland sharpshooter, who will go into the under-19s division as a bottom-ager this year, is determined to prove just why selectors missed a trick after she was snubbed from the AIS talent squad last year.
“When I do get on, I’ll make sure to show them why I should’ve been selected last year,” she said.
Crombie had finished atop the NNC ladder for goal percentage in 2023 with an incredible 91.7% (211 from 230), outnumbering the athletes in both her own age group and the above.
It was therefore a shock when her name was not on the AIS squad list a week later.
Crombie was a crucial part of Queensland’s first under-17s gold medal since 2015, when she guided them to the title with more than 200 goals.
It’s been a decade since Queensland brought home an under-19s gold, but Crombie is confident the squad’s experience together could break that drought.
“We definitely want to maintain our title, coming up as bottom age,” she said. “We know there is a target on our back.”
“If we stick to what we know, we’ll bring back another gold.”
The shooting circle of Crombie, fellow Titan Talitah Faifai and Bond University’s Kaylin van Greunen have a combined eight national campaigns, while the mid court duo of Bond’s Jayden Molo and Sasha-May Flegler return from last year.
With a replacement for Boyd still to be named, Queensland’s only trouble will be making sure nothing also gets in the way before April 9.
QUEENSLAND’S INJURY LATEST
A late injury and potential Firebirds call-in has thrown a spanner in the works for Queensland, as the Sunshine State strives for their first under-19s national gold in a decade.
With a quartet of options gunning to step in, head coach Rebecca Stower seems to have made her decision just one week out from the tournament.
Star midcourter and Sunshine Coast Lightning training partner Baylee Boyd was ruled out of the competition due to an injury confirmed in March.
It means the top-age athlete, who has represented Queensland every year since being eligible in 2021, will miss her fourth and final chance at being named in the Australian squad.
Stower confirmed Boyd’s absence last month and quickly sought after her replacement, welcoming into the squad Dakota Newson, Tehya Hyssett, Tahlia Evans and Edie Lenarduzzi.
The four athletes were named in Queensland’s extended squad following the state titles in 2023 but were not successful in gaining a position into the final playing 12.
With less than a week to go before the tournament starts on April 9, Newson looks to be the successful candidate selected to take Boyd’s place.
The news comes after the 18-year-old expressed her disappointment in not being selected for her fourth and final campaign, taking to Instagram in a since-deleted post.
Now seemingly reunited in maroon, Newson will polish off her Queensland wrap sheet with four-straight national campaigns.
But one problem solved isn’t the end of Queensland’s woes, as fellow middie Sasha-May Flegler looks down the barrel of a Suncorp Super Netball debut that clashes with her nationals duties.
A Townsville product, Flegler has been in talks of an early SSN appearance since Firebirds’ captain Kim Ravaillion opened up about her ongoing injury struggles.
Stower has her fingers crossed the midcourt star will stay in her ranks, given the quick turnaround in finding two replacement players within a week, but only time will tell.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Under-17s
Returning players
Acacia Elers (Newcastle) WD/C
Ellie Hart (Campbelltown District) GS/GA – captain
Evie Economou (Sutherland Shire) WA/C/WD – vice-captain
Kelis Ogle (Liverpool City) GK/GD
Skye Thompson (Sutherland Shire) GA/WA
New players
Ellie Stacey (Maitland) C/WA
Emily McPherson (Wagga Wagga) GS/GA
Grace Tracey (Illawarra District) GK/GD
Harlym Jennings (Liverpool City) GD/GK
Matilda Percival (Newcastle) GA/GA
Monique Johnson (Sutherland Shire) GK/GD
Siulolo Richter (Liverpool City) WA/C/WD
Matilda Fanning (Sutherland) GD/WD
Coaching team
Head Coach - Abbey McCulloch (Ex NSW Swifts captain from Sutherland Shire)
Assistant Coach - Nardia Trevor (Baulkham Hills Shire)
Apprentice Coach - Gima Crowdy (Woy Woy)
Last year’s result
Silver Medal: Lost grand final to Queensland 42-40
Under-19s
New (debut and/ or new age group)
Charlie Hawkins (Randwick) GK/GD
Eugenie Little (Manly Warringah) C/WD
Hope White (Newcastle) WA/C
Isabella Degei (Penrith District) WD/C
Katarina Sincek (Penrith District) GK/GD
Nevaeh Matenga (Liverpool City) C/WA
Nicola Barge (Sutherland Shire) GS/GA
Olivia Harris (Penrith District) GA/GS
Yasmeen Janschek (Randwick) Gk/GD
Returning players
Freddie Schneideman (Randwick) GK/GD & Swifts Training Partner
Grace Whyte (Tumut) GA/GS – vice captain & Swifts Training Partner
Monika ‘Otai (St George District) GA/GS – captain & Giants Training Partner
Coaching staff
Head Coach - Amber Cross (Wyong District)
Assistant Coach - Stephanie Harrison (Camden & District)
Apprentice Coach - Sam May (Penrith District) – Ex Swifts player
Last Year’s result:
Bronze medal: Beat Victoria 37-36 in third-place playoff
NORTHERN TERRITORY (17s & 19s)
Could this be NT’s time to shine?
With a number of returning pathway players plus a boost in the form of two Victorian imports, the NT have a shot at working up the ladder in 2024.
CAPTAIN/ CO-CAPTAINS: TBC
HEAD COACH: 17s Sharon Freeman, 19s Chelsea Coleman
ASSISTANT COACH: 17s Neil Forsyth, 19s Chloe Southam and Nathalie Collins
2023 RESULT IN THIS AGE GROUP: 8th in both for 2023
WHY WILL YOU BE COMPETITIVE? We have been fortunate enough to elevate our Strength and conditioning program for 2024 so we are expecting our athletes to be well prepared physically for the challenge. Our underpinning programs are working with the majority of our 2024 team athletes either having been in the program prior or worked through our academy programs where they have had some good exposure.
KEY FIXTURE: Our Wednesday morning fixture for both age groups coming up against ACT will be a great test where our athletes will be pushing to get one up. Similarly, Friday morning’s clash against Tasmania will be one to watch. There are strong rivalries between the three of us, and with more matches under our belts in the lead up, our athletes will be ready to go.
RETURNING PLAYERS:
17s
Ruby Mack – GS
Molly Suradi – WA
Nellie Crellin – GK (TID 2023)
Grace Kelly GD
19s
Hannah Torsney – C/WA (17S TID 2023)
Taylah Easton – WD/C 17s 2023
Isabelle Ross – GS 19s 2023
Kiera Heffernan – WA 17s 2023
Charlotte Hateley – GA 17s 2023
Oreoluwa Ogeleye – GK 17s 2023
Imports returning
Sophia Dobson – QLD (injured)
Mikaela Minns – circle defence, VIC
Tully Bethune – GS/ GA, VIC
DEBUT PLAYERS:
19s
Olivia Picone Auld – WD
Kaissara Hayes – GD
Import- Ava Moller – GA, NSW
17s
Jess Mack – M/C
Jade Moir – mid court/ defence
Hanna Eastick – GK
Madison West – WA/WD
Abbey Pope – WA/WD
Hayley Robertson – Ga/GS
Sienna Boxall – GS/GA
Winne Evans – GS/ GA
SQUAD OF 16:
17s
Ruby Mack
Winnie Evans
Sienna Boxall
Hayley Robertson
Mid Court
Abbey Pope
Madison West
Molly Suradi
Jess Mack
Defence
Hanna Eastick
Grace Kelly
Nellie Crellin
Jade Moir
19s
Isabelle Ross
Tully Bethune
Ava Moller
Charlotte Hateley
Hannah Torsney
Taylah Easton
Kiera Heffernan
Olivia Picone Auld
Mikaela Minns
Oreoluwa Ogeleye
Kaissara Hayes
TASMANIA
Under-19s
CAPTAIN/ CO-CAPTAINS: Ava Lockwood-Roden & Ellie Marshall
HEAD COACH: Dan Roden
ASSISTANT COACH: Lynda Colgrave (Apprentice Coach: John Fox)
2023 RESULT IN THIS AGE GROUP: Sixth
RETURNING PLAYERS: Tyrah Bacon (GS,/GA), Esther Kidmas (GS/ GA), Eunice Kidmas (WD/GD), Ava Lockwood (C/WA), Ellie Marshall (C/WA), Sophie Blackberry (up from 17&U, GA), Abbey Geappen (up from 17&U, C/WA), Paige O’Neill (up from 17&U, GD/WD), Jess Owen (up from 17&U, GK), Charlotte Walker (up from 17&U, GD/GK).
DEBUT PLAYERS: Ella Harnett (WD/GD), Ebony McGinniss (GS).
SQUAD OF 16 (shooters-middies-defenders):
Tyrah BACON
Sophie BLACKBERRY
Abbey GEAPPEN
Ella HARNETT
Esther KIDMAS
Eunice KIDMAS
Ava LOCKWOOD
Ellie MARSHALL
Ebony MCGINNISS
Paige O’NEILL
Jess OWEN
Charlotte WALKER
WHY WILL YOU BE COMPETITIVE?
The underpinning programs that support our State Team have had an increased focus on strength and conditioning, skill development and position specific execution with the bonus of additional work around nutrition and recovery strategies. Combine this with high-level match play exposure, we have seen an enormous improvement in our player development and overall game style.
KEY FIXTURE:
Based on last year, during the rounds we certainly witnessed an improvement in our performances across the week and challenged teams for longer periods in most games. We had two closely fought, tough and competitive matches against QLD and WA and we believed that a consistent 4 quarter performance could have seen those teams pushed to the final siren. These two matches will allow us to gauge the level of improvement over the last 12 months.
TOP 3 TO WATCH AND WHY:
Ellie Marshall: Ellie returns for her second year in the 19’s and will Co-Captain the team with Ava Lockwood-Roden. Ellie had a great NNC in 2023 running through C and WD and was rewarded with Categorisation by Netball Australia. Ellie is a proven competitor with a hard 1 on 1 defensive style and has improved her speed, endurance, and game over the last 12 months to step up and help lead the team over a big week.
Eunice Kidmas: A relative newcomer to the State program last year, Eunice punched above her height in the GK and GD role recording the highest gained possessions of our team for the week. This year Eunice moves further up the court into the WD / C role and her defensive pressure, closing speed and reach will be one to watch throughout the week.
Paige O’Neil: Another Nationally Categorised Athlete from our 17’s team from last year’s NNC. Paige has been elevated to the 19’s after a stellar year on the court. Paige has continued to improve her defensive game in the role of GD/WD, switching roles from shutting down her opponent to hedging and hunting for the intercept. A natural reader of the game with good pace and elevation and we expect her to feature highly in our gained possession count in 2024.
Under-17s
CAPTAIN/ CO-CAPTAINS: Sophie Brewer (Captain), Molly Green (VC)
HEAD COACH: Andrew Jackson
ASSISTANT COACH: Fiona Geappen, (Apprentice Coach: Anna Di Carlo)
2023 RESULT IN THIS AGE GROUP: Sixth
RETURNING PLAYERS: Aimee Bean (GA, GS), Daisy Bennett (GS), Sophie Brewer (GA, GS), Molly Green (GD, GK)
DEBUT PLAYERS: Olivia Bender (played 15&U for Tas, first entry into 17’s; C, WA), Lily Case (GK, GD), Grace Ebbelaar (WD, GD), Mia Green (played 15&U for Tas, first entry into 17’s; GA, GS), Milana Harnett (WD, GD), Matilda Kaye (played 15&U for Tas, first entry into 17’s; WD, C), Isabella Sherriff (WD, GD), Grace Foley (GD,GK).
SQUAD OF 16 (shooters-middies-defenders):
Aimee BEAN
Olivia BENDER
Daisy BENNETT
Sophie BREWER
Lily CASE*
Grace EBBELAAR
Grace FOLEY
Mia GREEN
Molly GREEN
Milana HARNETT
Matilda KAYE
Isabella SHERRIFF
WHY WILL TAS BE COMPETITIVE?
After an extensive training program leading into Nationals, including match play opportunities with the Victorian State 17’s team, the squad will be well prepared for competition. This training phase, on top of the development programs that Netball Tas has been running for the last few years will have the 17’s athletes primed and ready to take to the court in Frankston. A close bond between the players and a united approach to what they want to achieve will help them reach their goals.
KEY FIXTURE:
All games are of equal importance. We realise we need to be playing at our best against all the States and Territories to be competitive and achieve our goals. The athletes are looking forward to competing at Nationals and will approach every game with the same attitude and effort.
TOP 3 TO WATCH AND WHY:
Sophie Brewer: Captain of the team and returning for her second year of 17’s. A strong goalie, with good speed and a smooth shot. Her accuracy is a strength and Sophie will look to lead by example, on and off the court.
Molly Green: Leader of the defensive end. A talented circle defender, who likes to attack the ball. Reads the play well and will look to shut down her opponents with strength and speed. Has the courage to come off her opponent to make intercepts and will be working hard with her team mates to stop opposition attacks.
The mid court: It will be interesting to watch the mid court develop. All first year players at 17’s level, but are a talented and exciting group. Plenty of pace and sure ball handling, the mid court will play an exciting brand of attacking Netball, while working hard in defence to shut down their opponents.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Under-17s
CAPTAIN/ CO-CAPTAINS: TBC
HEAD COACH: Peta Maher
ASSISTANT COACH: Vanessa Dempsey
2023 RESULT IN THIS AGE GROUP: 5th
WHY WILL YOU BE COMPETITIVE?
We have an exciting group of players representing the state in 2024. They are dynamic in their connections with each other with a good mix of height and speed.
KEY FIXTURE: Obviously QLD took out the title last year so they set the standard to prepare us for this year. Western Australia is always a state to watch out for, but we will be prepared for all teams as you can never underestimate anyone.
RETURNING PLAYERS: We have 6 returning players from 2023: Tahlia Jolly GA/GS, Edie Benger WA/C, Summer Smith WA/C, Sophie Warren WD/GD Jazmin McKay GD/WD and Jemma Kelly GK/GD
DEBUT PLAYERS: Lilly Wiggins GS/GA Elouise Nordhausen-Bradley GS/GS, Sienna Wilson GA/GS, Ava Lindner WA/C, Charli Hazlehurst C/WD and Anna Goad GD/GK
WHO TO WATCH AND WHY: Exciting Defence Duo of Jemma Kelly and Jaz McKay (Jaz is the daughter of Sarah Sutter). The duo have great game intelligence and footwork and reading of play.
SQUAD OF 16 (shooters-middies-defenders):
Eliouse Nordhausen- Bradley
Lilly Wiggins
Tahlia Jolly
Sienna Wilson
-
Charli Hazlehurst
Ava Lindner
Summer Smith
Edie Benger
-
Jemma Kelly
Jaz MaKay
Sophie Warren
Anna Goad
Training Partners:
Layla Hearne & Molly Chapman
Rachel Hayball
Emily Hart
Under-19s
CAPTAIN/ CO-CAPTAINS: TBC
HEAD COACH: Jenny Borlase
ASSISTANT COACH: Kim Hocking
2023 RESULT IN THIS AGE GROUP: 1st
WHY WILL YOU BE COMPETITIVE? In 2024, South Australia’s under-19 team will have a great blend of experience and raw talent. This team is united and they play for each other. They are looking forward to testing themselves against their peers and enjoying everything that Nationals can bring on and off the court.
KEY FIXTURE: SA are looking forward to matching up against Western Australia who are expected to be a tough opponent for all. They have height at both ends of the court which will present a good matchup. In recent years South Aus has been super competitive with a high work rate and a sprinkling of talent in all areas of the court.
RETURNING PLAYERS: Lucy Voyvodic WD C Tabitha Packer WD C Brooke Irlam GA GS , Emily Laird GA GS Sophie Killick GK GD WD
DEBUT PLAYERS: Lilly Woods GK/ GD. New to 19s: Anessah Oakley GK/ GD, Samaya Oakley GS/ GA, Dusty Millar GA/ WA, Poppy Scholz WD/ C, Zali Reid GD/ GK
TOP 3 TO WATCH AND WHY: Tabitha Packer: Athletic, high work rate and loves to win ball. Lucy Voyvodic: Calm in a crisis when ball in hand and can be relied on to turn the ball over when needed. Samaya Oakley: Emerging tall goal shooter who has a natural shot and feel for the circle
SQUAD OF 16 (shooters-middies-defenders):
Samaya Oakley
Dusty Millar
Brooke Irlam
Emily Laird
-
Sienna Burns
Tabitha Packer
Lucy Voyvodic
Poppy Scholz
-
Lilly Wood
Zali Reid
Anessah Oakley
Sophie Killick
Training partners:
Amelia Olech
Lacey Haines
Chloe Evans
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Under-17s
CAPTAIN/ CO-CAPTAINS: TBC
HEAD COACH: Kate Durham
ASSISTANT COACH: Kate Carpenter
2023 RESULT IN THIS AGE GROUP: 7th
WHY WILL YOU BE COMPETITIVE?
The ACT 17s want to be more than just competitive in 2024 we are determined to be a force to be reckoned with! With a team that is a mix of experience and newcomers to this level, the team has had excellent preparation and are keen to see what we can achieve together.
KEY FIXTURE:
All fixtures are crucial as we aim to better our final ranking from 2023. Our fixture against Tasmania is always significant, as our results in recent years have been tightly contested. Nevertheless, we are confident in our preparations and believe we have the skills and ability necessary to secure a victory in 2024.
RETURNING PLAYERS:
Sophia Martinussen GS/GA
Ashley Weller GD/WD
Tessa Griffin GA/GS
DEBUT PLAYERS:
Mia Lincoln GA/GS
Kiarma Ramalli GA/GS
Eseta Tuipeatau WA/C
Kiara Heaver C/WD
Charlotte Newton WA/C
Emberlyn Culver GD/GK
Tilly Mudie C/WA/WD
Poppi Laine GD/GK
Jariah Kivalu GK/GD
TOP 3 TO WATCH AND WHY?
returning athletes and leadership team, consisting of Sophia M, Ash Weller, and Tessa Griffin, will be a trio to watch at the upcoming championships. They bring with them valuable experience from 2023, and have been exemplary leaders both on and off the court.
Under-19s
CAPTAIN/ CO-CAPTAINS: TBC
HEAD COACH: Tara Steel
ASSISTANT COACH: Emily Clark
2023 RESULT IN THIS AGE GROUP: 7th
WHY WILL YOU BE COMPETITIVE?
We have had a great preparation, with 9 of our athletes having nationals experience at either 17s or 19s level, and some excited debutants ready to test themselves against the best in the country.
KEY FIXTURE:
Tasmania, always a great rivalry and they have been building well with their program the past few years.
RETURNING PLAYERS:
Kaylah Upfield GA/GS
Elise Robinson GD/GK
DEBUT PLAYERS:
Sophia Meehan GK/GD
Lara Dau GK/GD
Mataiya Rossiter GA/GS
TOP 3 TO WATCH AND WHY:
Our top 3 players to watch have all had strong preparations for both the 19s Nationals campaign, and the Capital Darters Academy.
Kaylah Upfield is a dynamic GA/WA whose court craft and speed makes her challenging for any opponent. Kaylah returns to the ACT 19s team for a second year, looking to capitalise on last years experience.
Alice Henman is an athletic WD/C who continues to grow with every campaign and opportunity. Progressing up from 2 campaigns in ACT 17s, Alice will look to use her experience, voice, footwork and ability to win ball and shut down opponents to lead the mid court.
Elise Robinson - Our most experienced campaigner, Elise is a strong and physical defender, who is smart at creating and taking intercept opportunities. Her voice drives our team from the back and directs us around the court.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Under-17s
CAPTAIN/ CO-CAPTAINS: TBC
HEAD COACH: Guy Keane
ASSISTANT COACH: Nicole Mann, Ellie Sanzone (Scholarship Coach)
2023 RESULT IN THIS AGE GROUP: Bronze Medal (Third Place)
WHY WILL YOU BE COMPETITIVE?:
The team came agonisingly close to playing off in the gold medal match after going down in
the semi-final to Queensland, in a double overtime thriller. The team has the desire to
improve on their results from 2023, having the lived experience of how to attack this year’s
championships along with the determine to go one better and play off for the gold medal.
KEY FIXTURE:
Our round 3 match against Victoria will be a key fixture for the WA Team. Victoria is always
well drilled and structured, especially in front of their home crowd while potentially looking for
redemption from the bronze medal match at the 2023 Championships. Known for their one-
on-one defence WA knows they will have to come out strongly to compete on the national
stage.
RETURNING PLAYERS:
Halle Richards GS GA
Teagan Begovic WA GA
Clara Wigley C WD WA
Emily Rivers GD WD
Kate Cunningham GK GD
DEBUT PLAYERS:
Ava Buselich GD WD
Ivy Dodd GK GD
Christe-Lee Griesel C WD WA
Charli Hynes WA C WD
Grace Millichamp GA GS
Ebony Stewart GD GK
Tess Taylor GA GS
TOP 3 TO WATCH AND WHY:
Clara Wigley – 2023 captain returns to the side after representing Australia at the
2023 Commonwealth Youth Games winning Gold. Showing composure and maturity
beyond her years she will again be hard to contain for any opponent. Clara also has
the ability to stand up for her team when required.
Halle Richard – The versatile tall 15-year-old goaler will look to implement all her
learnings and development on court after a strong 2023 NNC and 17U Australian
Squad selection. Growing in confidence with every experience she is ready to take
on all defenders on the national stage.
Kate Cunningham – A strong preseason on and off the court has seen Kate develop
her toolkit across the defensive unit. With her ability to win ball, she will look to lead
the defence end.
SQUAD OF 12
Shooters: Halle Richards, Grace Millichamp, Tess Taylor, Teagan Begovic
Midcourt: Clara Wigley, Charli Hynes, Christe-Lee Griesel, Emily Rivers
Defenders: Kate Cunningham, Ivy Dodd, Ebony Stewart, Ava Buselich
Under-19s
CAPTAIN/ CO-CAPTAINS: TBC
HEAD COACH: Karly Guadagnin
ASSISTANT COACH: Melanie Rainey
2023 RESULT IN THIS AGE GROUP: Silver Medal (Second Place)
WHY WILL YOU BE COMPETITIVE?
After producing some outstanding team performances in 2023. The squad has retained six
athletes from the silver medal winning team and sees the inclusion of four athletes from the
17/U bronze medal winning team. The group has the connection on and off the court to go
one better in 2024 after gaining valuable lived experience coming so close in 2023.
KEY FIXTURE:
Round 1 against Queensland looms as an important first up match as it often sets the
standard of the week. Coming up against Queensland with many athletes from the 17/U
Gold winning team from 2023 Championship, WA will have to start strongly if they are to put
themselves in a winning position for the week.
RETURNING PLAYERS:
Aitaua Enari GS GA
Georgie Cleaver GA GS
Maya Kenny WA C WD
Charisse Rond WA C
Tayla Styles WD C WA
Scarlet Jauncey GK GD
DEBUT PLAYERS:
Aisha Morcombe GS GA
TOP 3 TO WATCH AND WHY:
Georgie Cleaver – returns to the side after representing Australia at the 2023
Commonwealth Youth Games winning Gold. Georgie is a competitive beast and will
again be hard to contain for any opponent she matches up against.
Scarlet Jauncey – Scarlet has been working incredibility hard on and off the court in
the off season and gain experience training in the West Coast Fever environment as
an invitee. Her ability to win ball, Scarlet will be looking to lead the defence end.
Maya Kenny – A hard running centre court player, who can run all day is looking to
have a strong performance at 2024 NNC. Maya will look to use her skills across both
attack and defence to connect the team through the midcourt.
SQUAD OF 12
Shooters: Aitaua Enari, Aisha Morcombe, Georgie Cleaver, Chloe Ramsay
Midcourt: Charisse Rond, Maya Kenny, Tayla Styles, Stephanie Towie
Defenders: Scarlet Jauncey, Rebakah Aynsley, Kianah Davey, Grace Jooste
VICTORIA
Under-17s
CAPTAIN/CO-CAPTAINS: TBC
2023 RESULT: 4th
WHY WILL YOU BE COMPETITIVE?
We are Victorian and with that being said, we will always go out there and challenge our opponents and be
competitive. With Nationals being in our home state and being 10 years since winning the gold medal,
there is even more incentive to go out there and win the title, so we will definitely be competitive.
KEY FIXTURE
We have our eye on every team. You cannot underestimate any state and we will be preparing ourselves
for each game as it comes. After all, we are playing the best of the best across the country.
TOP 3 TO WATCH AND WHY
Eva Ryan – A regional player hailing from the far west of Victoria, Eva has come through Netball Victoria’s Talent Academy (Western) program, and has already shown great commitment being a part of the inaugural Elevate Program. This is Eva’s first position in a state team and she’s ready to show just how far she has come.
Amalani Fauonuku – Fresh off the back of co-captaining (with fellow NNC teammate Allie Davidson) an undefeated Victorian schoolgirls team to gold last year and selected as an All Australian, Lani steps up into the 17s State team as a bottom ager. But don’t let her age fool you, she already has experience under her belt after a season in the Victorian Netball League.
Lani is another product of Netball Victoria’s Talent Academy (Central West) pathway as well as a vibrant member of the new Elevate Program.
Piuti Laban – A returning member of the 17s State team, Piuti has numerous accolades to her name that would make you think she has been playing for decades. A former Victorian schoolgirls captain, she has also been selected as an All Australian as well as being identified as the player of the tournament. Piuti also has experience playing in the Victorian Netball League and as a member of the Elevate Program.
What is really exciting is she has now made the transition from goals to midcourt and is looking to showcase her refined skills on the Nationals stage.
SQUAD
Defenders
Mia Aitken
Eliza Burge (debut)
Eva Ryan (debut)
Camille Brownjohn (debut)
Midcourters
Leila Simpson (debut)
Mackenzie O’Dwyer
Piuti Laban
Allie Davidson (debut)
Shooters
Sahara Ball
Amalani Fauonuku (debut)
Annecy Lyon (debut)
Alice O’Callaghan (debut)
Under-19s
CAPTAIN/CO-CAPTAINS: TBC
2023 RESULT: 4th
WHY WILL YOU BE COMPETITIVE?
We will be naturally competitive because we are Victorian and hold ourselves to those strong work ethic
values. Along with that, we have picked a very balanced team of experience, versatility, depth, and
newcomers. Our preparation will be important and a key to get us through the week.
KEY FIXTURE
All states will be hard to beat – not one team can be taken lightly. The competitive nature of this
competition makes every play, every ball thrown, every contest so important. We will be ready to take on
whatever challenge is put to us.
TOP 3 TO WATCH AND WHY
All my players are ones to watch so I thought I would highlight someone from each area.
Lily Graham – Lily’s game keeps growing from strength to strength. Fresh off her ANC debut in 2023 where she clearly held her own and provided some great variety in attack, she again is looking like a goaler that can do the same in this team. Her story is one of persistence and determination. Lily has taken her opportunity as a training partner in top age 17s and made her way into the team due to a withdrawal of a player. The rest is history and now Lily just takes on every opportunity thrown at her.
Tara Watson – Another player that has kept pushing and driving herself. Plucked out of a screening day process for state trials, Tara is now a consistent team member in our state programs. She is a tenacious midcourter who is now taking her game to the next level being able to play all three midcourt positions. She is a leader in the way she plays.
Eliza Mooney – A newcomer to a state team. A country athlete that can do a round trip of 6-7 hours just to attend training. A tall athlete who can play both ends, but has been selected as a defender. With a lean that goes forever, I’m sure Eliza will cause some issues for goalers on the shot.
SQUAD
Defenders
Mia van Wyk
Eliza Molino (can also shoot)
Eliza Mooney (debut)
Charli Hoey
Midcourters
Tara Watson
Charlotte Morey
Harriet Gall
Georgie O’Brien
Shooters
Lily Graham
Kate O’Dwyer (debut)
Emma Winfield
Mia Lavis
QUEENSLAND
Under-17s
CAPTAIN/Co-CAPTAINS: Rio Burns (C) and Sarah Joyce (VC)
HEAD COACH: Anna Young
ASSISTANT COACH: Erin Byrnes
APPRENTICE COACH: Joel Wise
2023 RESULT: 1st
WHY WILL QLD BE COMPETITIVE? A variety of adaptable athletes that offer different strengths to combat different styles of play. They are already gelling as a cohesive and supportive team which is seeing quick improvement and success.
KEY FIXTURE: Western Australia are expected to be strong being the team who won the 15 years National School Girls competition in 2022. Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales are always skilled teams and in medal contention. You need to be prepared for what every team can bring.
RETURNING PLAYERS: Tia Molo (WA, C, WD) and Sarah Joyce (WA, C)
DEBUT PLAYERS: Simone’ Botha (GS, GA), Roxanne Rhind (GS, GA), Ella MacCartney (GA, GS), Marley Burns (GA, GS), Rio Burns (C, WD, WA), Ava Guthrie (WD, C), Sienna Jones (GD, GK), Leilani Fatialofa (GD, GK, WD), Ciarn MacBride (GK, GD), Charlotte Jonsen (GK, GD)
TOP 3 TO WATCH AND WHY: All players bring their own strengths that value add to the Queensland team and can be impactful in changing a game. No player is more valuable than any other in the Queensland team. The focus is on taking a team to Nationals where every player is able to make contributions at any stage throughout the tournament.
SQUAD OF 16: Shooters - Mids - Defenders
Simone’ Botha
Roxanne Rhind
Ella MacCartney
Marley Burns
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Tia Molo
Sarah Joyce
Rio Burns
Ava Guthrie
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Sienna Jones
Leilani Fatialofa
Ciarn MacBride
Charlotte Jonsen
Training Partners:
Amelia Nemcansky (Shooter)
Liberty Grohn (Mid)
Shaylah Pershouse (Mid)
Samaya Cook (Defender)
Under-19s
CAPTAIN/ CO-CAPTAINS: Jayden Molo (C)and Ellie Brice (VC)
HEAD COACH: Rebecca Stower
ASSISTANT COACH: Amanda Kelly
2023 RESULT: 5th
WHY WILL YOU BE COMPETITIVE? Great blend of 2023 National Champions and 2022 Bronze Medallists. Roster includes three SSN Training Partners and 9 2023 NA categorised athletes.
KEY FIXTURE: All final teams haven’t been announced as yet, but NSW look to be formidable with similar player stats to us. WA are always a team to look out for, their pathways program is strong and they play with such tenacity and heart.
RETURNING PLAYERS: 2023 19U Kaylin van Greunen GS; Talita Faifai GA; Baylee Boyd C/WD; Jayden Molo WA/WD. 2023 17U Tia Crombie GS; Kirra Tappenden GA; Ellie Brice WD/C; Sasha Flegler C; Gemma Hutchings GD; Holly Comyns GK; Jada Delaney GK;
DEBUT PLAYERS: Brooke Lacey GD
TOP 3 TO WATCH AND WHY: Our philosophy revolves around the belief that every player has a vital role to play, and it is through unity and collaboration that we achieve our greatest successes. Central to our approach is the creation of an environment where every individual can thrive. By nurturing a culture of mutual respect, support, and accountability, we empower our players to excel both on and off the field. Through this holistic approach, we cultivate not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals who exemplify our values in every aspect of their lives.
SQUAD OF 16: Shooters - Mids - Defenders
Kaylin van Greunen
Tia Crombie
Talita Faifai
Kirra Tappenden
-
Ellie Brice
Baylee Boyd
Sasha-May Flegler
Jayden Molo
-
Gemma Hutchings
Brooke Lacey
Jada Delaney
Holly Comyns
Training Partners:
Kydan Tuapou (Shooter)
Dakota Newson (Mid)
Sophia Dobson (Defender) - since been given a position with the Northern Territory
Yasmin Mayall (Defender)
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