48 players to watch at the Northern region Vicki Wilson Cup
It’s one of the biggest days of the year for school netball in North Queensland. Catch up on what’s happening and see our list of players to watch from each division.
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The Northern finals of the Vicki Wilson Cup will be played on Friday with schools from across the Townsville region contesting five divisions.
The Cup, for girls in years 10-12, is littered with senior Premier League talent with young stars from most teams pulling on their school colours in the hopes to be crowned the region’s champions and progress to the state finals.
The winner of each division will progress to the next round in Brisbane as the Northern representative.
St Margaret Mary’s College and Ryan Catholic College are shaping as Cup heavyweights.
Ryan’s squad includes tenacious mid-courter Molly Tyrell (Phoenix) and dominant shooter Mackenzie Wakelin (Saints), while St Margaret Mary’s will be led by Saints recruit Chelsea O’Neill at captain.
As well as O’Neill, Saints midcourter Caitlin Brennan will join her club teammate and Marian Vixens GS Tayla Oshyer will make her Vicki Wilson debut for the school.
Runaways star Jess Freeman, who graduated from St Margaret Mary’s in 2023, has returned to the school alongside her sister Jasmine as coaches of the Shield (year 7-9) team.
Keep scrolling to see our list of players to watch in each division.
MOLLY TYRELL
School team: Ryan Catholic College Cup team (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: Midcourt
Tyrell is a tenacious mid-courter who has great vision and netball IQ. She has a great ability to change the tempo when it’s needed and she loves acting as a disrupter in defence.
The school’s 2024 sports captain rarely slows down, even late in the game when most legs are heavy, and she has great experience after a few years playing for Phoenix in Townsville’s senior Premier League.
MAKENZIE WAKELIN
School team: Ryan Catholic College Cup team (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: GS / GA
Tall shooter Wakelin has found another level in 2024, taking a leading role up front for Townsville’s reigning Premier League champions Saints. Her poise in the circle and deadly accuracy make her a near-impossible player to defend.
She has an incredibly high ceiling as she continues to build her confidence and learns how to use her size and strength more effectively.
LILLY STEVENS
School team: Ryan Catholic College Shield team (Year 7-9 girls)
Position: C
Stevens is a fast and agile mid-court player who will lead by example in Ryan’s Shield team. One of her greatest strengths is her dedication and willingness to put in the work at training that allows her to excel in games.
She will be a key to her team’s success in both attack and defence.
AMY GUNN
School team: Ryan Catholic College Shield team (Year 7-9 girls)
Position: GA
Gunn has been a part of the Shield team since she was in year 7.
She is a reliable shooter and a real leader within the squad that other players look up to. Her coach will miss her next year when she is a good chance be included in the school’s opens team from year 10.
REGAN BLACHFORD
School team: Ryan Catholic College boys’ Cup team (Year 10-12 boys)
Position: GA
As a high-level representative basketballer, Blachford’s transferable skills make him an astute netballer.
He has great shooting ability and knows how to position himself effectively. He has a strong on-court presence and is very dynamic in the circle.
MARLEY SOLOMONA
School team: Ryan Catholic College boys’ Cup team (Year 10-12 boys)
Position: Midcourt
Solomona comes from a strong netballing family and as such has an impressive understanding of the game. Another representative basketball convert, he has made a seamless transition to netball and his tempo control will make him a crucial playmaker for Ryan Catholic College.
RUBY MACK
School team: St Patrick’s College Cup team (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: GS
Mack is a Northern Territory under-17s representative who has relocated from Alice Springs to Townsville to chase her netball dreams.
She is a strong and physical presence in the circle with a wicked ability to score goals. She plays senior Premier League netball for Sharon Finnan-White’s First Nations Academy of Excellence (FNAE) Roos.
HOLLIE PARKES
School team: St Patrick’s College Cup team (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: GD/WD
Parkes is a technically gifted defender with a tough persona to match. She reads the game extremely well and her ability to snatch turnovers makes it very difficult for opposing players to get any quality ball.
CADEN NYEN
School team: Southern Cross Catholic College boys Cup (Year 10-12 boys)
Position: GA
Nyen has incredible shooting and attacking skills, and has the ability to outsmart almost any defender he comes up against.
KAILAN TUSTIN and CAMERON KOLB
School team: Southern Cross Catholic College boys Cup (Year 10-12 boys)
Position: GK and GD
These two players will line up for ‘the Cross’ in defence and they have both learnt how to work together in the circle to stop the ball as it is being shot into the goal. Definitely an impressive sight to see when they work in tandem.
DARCY BONELL
School team: Southern Cross Catholic College Shield Development team (Year 7-9 girls)
Position: GD / C
Traditionally a defender that has the ability to come out of nowhere and take an intercept, although this year Bonell has become a force within the mid-court.
Her strength and determination to win balls means you see her all around the court and a she is the type of player who is a pleasure to have on any team.
LEXI MCAULIFFE-FICKLING
School team: Southern Cross Catholic College Shield Development team (Year 7-9 girls)
Position: WA / GA
McAuliffe-Fickling has an impressive work rate and willingness to be the best she possibly can. Her fast footwork and knowledge of where to place the ball makes her a valuable asset.
CHARLOTTE CLIVE
School team: Southern Cross Catholic College Cup Development (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: GD / GK
Clive illustrates the true essence of a defender. Her commitment to the team’s success is unmatched, and her defensive prowess on the court is a sight to behold.
She leads by example by communicating effectively with her teammates, directing them into position and providing encouragement when needed. She also consistently seeks ways to enhance her game to help further develop herself and the team.
Clive’s dedication, skill and team spirit make her an invaluable asset, and there is no doubt that her influence will continue to propel any team she plays on to greater heights.
GEMMA RUFF
School team: Southern Cross Catholic College Cup Development (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: WA / C / WD
Ruff has a dynamic playstyle and unwavering commitment to the team, which makes her a
great teammate.
She possesses a diverse skill set that allows her to excel in various aspects of the game, whether driving the attack forward, providing crucial assists or supporting the defence, she seamlessly transitions between roles, adapting to the needs of the team.
Ruff also understands the importance of collaboration and works tirelessly to ensure that every player feels involved and valued on the court.
BROCK CROSSLEY
School team: Bowen SHS Boys Cup
Position: GA / WA / GD
Crossley can play in multiple positions and draws on his passion for playing basketball well when transitioning some of the similar skills.
MARCUS YASSO
School team: Bowen SHS Boys Cup
Position: C
Yasso is extremely quick around the court and rarely misses a pass. He has proven to be a great link between the defence and attack and really speeds up transitions.
GABBY EDGERTON
School team: Bowen SHS Shield (Year 7-9 girls)
Position: C
Edgerton brings the team together not just through what she does on the court but also her leadership in helping the younger girls. A great teammate to have in the mid-court.
ADELE BOSSON
School team: Bowen SHS Shield (Year 7-9 girls)
Position: GD
Great at breaking down attacking threats from other teams, Bosson is positionally very smart and great in transition.
REMY HEDGES
School team: Bowen SHS Cup (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: C
Hedges has a massive engine and a great work rate which is needed on these bigger carnival days.
LILY-ANN BATALIBASI
School team: Bowen SHS Cup (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: GA / GS / GD
Batalibasi is calm under pressure and can play multiple positions which eases the load on teammates. Great asset for the school.
LAKEISHA GRIESE
School team: Northern Beaches SHS Cup (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: C / GD / WA
Griese has played netball at a high level for a long time, giving her the experience needed to guide her team through whatever obstacles they face. She is an excellent support player who is great on the feed.
BRAYDAN MIRFIN
School team: Northern Beaches SHS Boys Cup (Year 10-12 boys)
Position: C / GA / GK
Mirfin is a state player who can play every position to the fullest. He is a passionate netballer that loves getting involved with everything to do with the sport.
ALECIA DALE
School team: Northern Beaches SHS Shield (Year 7-9 girls)
Position: GA / C / GD
Dale is a great teammate who always encourages other players to do their best and support them wherever she’s needed. She also offers fantastic versatility with the ability to excel in multiple positions.
EMILY WATERS
School team: Kirwan Senior Cougars Cup team (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: C / WA
Waters is the captain of the team and an absolute inspiration to everyone around her. She plays with 100% effort and is always lifting up her teammates.
Her calm play down in defence and strong drives up in attack are the cornerstone of the team’s gameplay.
ROSE MUNOKOA
School team: Kirwan Senior Cougars
Position: GD / GK
Munokoa is a mature and unflappable player who plays senior Premier League netball for Saints and always brings a calming influence to the court.
She always has a smile on her face, but she is one of the most competitive players on the court. Munokoa is tenacious and strong in defence, utilising her long reach and great jumping ability to cause havoc for the opposition shooters.
AUSTIN WOOD
School team: Kirwan Pumas Boys (Year 10-12 boys)
Position: GA / GD
Wood can play anywhere but is extremely effective in the attacking end. He has great game awareness and the ability to pull something out of thin air.
His shooting is deadly accurate and he is the leader of Kirwan’s senior boys team.
ASHLEY PARRISH
School team: Kirwan Cougars Development Cup Team (Year 10-12 girls)
Positions: GS / GA
Parrish is a loud, enthusiastic and strong a shooter and leader. These traits have earned her the respect of her teammates to be voted in as their captain for 2024. Parrish’s mature persona and positive encouragement on and off the court keeps the team focused and dialled in.
CHLOE CUMMINS
School team: Kirwan Cougars Development Cup Team (Year 10-12 girls)
Positions: GD / GK
Cummins is a quiet and polite young achiever who is the backbone of the team’s defence. Her ability to read the play and defend all types of attack makes her one of the best up and coming players within the Kirwan State High Netball Development program.
Any person who has ever played defensive netball and witnessed Cummins would be in awe of her ability to stand up and shut down plays.
FAITH CHESLETT
School team: Kirwan Junior Cougars Shield (Year 7-9 girls)
Positions: C / WA / WD
Cheslett is a natural leader who can be seen flying anywhere and everywhere around the court. She can logically read the game and anticipate where and what her opposing player will do as their next move, resulting in her taking charge with intercepts and multiple contests to the ball to turn a game around instantly for her team.
This leadership is well respected by her teammates as Cheslett demonstrates strong qualities of a true team player and athlete both on and off the court.
AMELIA WILSON
School team: Kirwan Junior Cougars Shield (Year 7-9 girls)
Positions: WA / C / WD / GD
Wilson has great strength, discipline and skill level when playing in most positions across the netball court.
She doesn’t shy away from contests to the ball no matter if she’s attacking or defending and is always willing to jump in whatever position her team needs her, as she will do her job and do it well.
This hunger for the ball is a result of her passion for the game and experience in knowing what she has to do in order to lead her team to victory.
ZAVIER CLARK
School team: All Souls St Gabriels School Boys
Position: GA / GS
Clark provides a calming influence to the court and draws on his previous netball experience to guide the play into the shooting circle.
YASMIN MUSK
School team: All Souls St Gabriels School Girls
Position: GK / GD
Musk is a tenacious circle defender who uses good body position to turn the ball over. She also supports attacking play downcourt with strong leads to the ball and good attacking variation.
ANNA MILTON
School team: All Souls St Gabriels School Girls
Position: GA / GS
Milton is one of the co-captains and a vocal leader who offers plenty of encouragement on and off the court.
She is a consistent shooter and also rebounds well. Her hands over the ball in defence creates great defensive pressure.
BROCK KYLE
School team: Ignatius Park College (Year 10-12 boys)
Position: GA
Kyle comes from a basketball background which gives him a natural ability with his quick passing and balls skills, vision on the court and shooting accuracy.
What makes him exciting to watch is his incredible leap in the air that sees him easily intercept the ball and transition it back down the attacking end of the court.
In addition, he is a team player who uses his representative sport experience to remain calm and controlled at all times.
TYRONE BETHUNE
School Team: Ignatius Park College (Year 10-12 boys)
Position: C
Bethune is an Aussie rules player who uses his fitness, speed and agility to dominate the centre role.
He is a smart netballer who understands his positional role. Bethune has the ability to quickly change direction, make strong leads and has a dominate shoulder pass, all while using his athleticism to intercept while in defence and quickly transition the ball back into the attacking end. He will be one to watch now and in the future.
ROSA NZEAKOR
School team: The Cathedral School Cup Girls Championship (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: GK / GD
Nzeakor stands out for her ability to confuse space in the circle for goalers and feeders, resulting in her winning plenty of ball for her team.
She possesses a variety of defensive strategies for pressure over the shot, which, paired with her impressive wing span and height, create plenty of rebounding opportunities that she then takes advantage of.
SHAQUANA CASTORS
School team: The Cathedral School Cup Girls Championship (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: C / WA
Castors has outstanding speed and agility plus an excellent read on play, enabling her to cover her opponent’s movements efficiently, creating pressure and opportunities to gain possession in defence.
With a cannon for an arm but also the smarts to hold the ball up, Castors services her team’s goalers beautifully and consistently attacks through the court linking the defensive end right through to the goal circle.
BRADEN REBGETZ
School team: The Cathedral School Cup Boys Championship (Year 10-12 boys)
Position: GA / C
Rebgetz plays with power but control, making him a stabilising force within the team. His ability to read play in defence makes him dangerous when opponents are transitioning the ball back out, often getting his team gains.
He possesses depth in his attacking skills and strategies making him unpredictable and very difficult to contain.
LUKE BARTOLO
School team: The Cathedral School Cup Boys Championship (Year 10-12 boys)
Position: GD / WD
Bartolo is a fierce competitor and dogged defender. His relentless one-on-one defence will take its toll on opponents and no doubt win his team plenty of ball.
He has lightning-quick transition from defence to attack, to then move the ball quickly through the court to provide service to the goal end.
TRUANT PRIESTLEY
School team: The Cathedral School Shield Championship (Year 7-9 girls)
Position: C / WA
Priestley’s attacking play provides consistent options for her teammates and she is controlled with ball in hand, giving considered service to her goalers with finesse.
Her competitiveness drives her to win back ball quickly after turnovers, especially with her outstanding hands over defence of the pass.
MACY TATE
School team: The Cathedral School Shield Championship (Year 7-9 girls)
Position: GD / C
Tate is only in year 7 but will compete without hesitation against her older opponents, proving quickly that she is not to be underestimated.
Her efficient movement throughout the court combined with her power to get up for high balls makes her dangerous in both attack and defence. Watch her win copious amounts of ball for her team.
CAITLIN BRENNAN
School team: St Margaret Mary’s College Cup Championship (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: Midcourt
Brennan is a speedy centre who has great feeding ability and has starred for Saints this season after stepping up into the senior Premier League team.
She is tireless off the ball and makes quick decisions with it. Look out for Brennan controlling her side’s mid-court.
CHELSEA O’NEILL
School team: St Margaret Mary’s College Cup Championship (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: C / WD / GD
St Margaret Mary’s captain brings the most experience to the team. O’Neill plays for Saints in the Premier League and she has great versatility to rotate through mid-court and defence.
O’Neill is a confident and strong netballer who isn’t afraid of getting physical and she has a huge presence on the court. She has great control and will be one of the key players to her team.
TAYLA OSHYER
School team: St Margaret Mary’s College Cup Championship (Year 10-12 girls)
Position: GA / GS
Oshyer is making her Vicki Wilson debut for her school. She is a quick mover in the circle and has great timing and strength.
Oshyer had a fantastic game for Marian Vixens in round 5 of Townsville’s Premier League, scoring 16/20 first-half goals and finishing 23/34 in a 42-37 triumph.
ZAHLEE NOACK
School team: St Margaret Mary’s College Shield Championship (Year 7-9 girls)
Position: Mid-court
The school’s Shield team captain Noack is a fierce workhorse who stays calm whenever the ball is in her hands.
She’s a reliable ballcarrier and is one to look out for wherever she plays in the mid-court.
SUMMER CLIFFORD
School team: St Margaret Mary’s College Shield Championship (Year 7-9 girls)
Position: Circle attack / circle defence
Clifford is a huge forge to be reckoned with. She has a strong presence on the court and she brings a clear target for the mid-court. Even better, she always takes the ball strongly.
ANAHLIESE BROWNING
School team: St Margaret Mary’s College Shield Championship (Year 7-9 girls)
Position: GA / GS
Browning is her team’s quiet assassin.
Although it will be her first Vicki Wilson, it definitely won’t be her last. Browning is a speedy and accurate shooter that will cause havoc in the circle.
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