NSW Premier League Netball finals: Top stars, players revealed for the race to the title

The best of the best are heading to finals, and these 20+ players are leading the charge. These are the U23s and Opens players to watch in the Netball NSW Premier League finals.

Finals time is here in the Netball NSW Premier League with the best eight teams across two divisions going toe-to-toe.

It all commences on Wednesday night at Netball Central with the U23s and Opens battling it out for survival.

We take a look at the key players who will shape the finals for their team.

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UNDER 23s

KAYLIN TOWSON (PANTHERS)

GS

Towson’s ability to mix it up in the circle leaves everyone guessing. She is strong on her hold and her accuracy is high. The captain of the minor premiership Panthers side who leads from the front.

(From left) Kaylin Towson, Sophia Mehan and Charnia Shepherd-Harris of Panthers Netball. Picture: May Bailey/Clusterpix Photography

SOPHIA MEHAN (PANTHERS)

GK/GD

The defensive pressure of Mehan in the circle is second to none. Her ability to turn over ball for the Panthers is super impressive. She’s a hungry and determined player who is a key part of their defensive prowess.

CHARNIA SHEPHERD-HARRIS (PANTHERS)

WA/GA

Shepherd-Harris is a strong and smart player in the mid-court who reads the game well and is able to perform under pressure. She is a double threat where she can play the mid-court and shoot the house down.

SOPHIA MARTINUSSEN (UTS RANDWICK)

GS

The leading scorer in the competition by over 170 goals, Martinussen has an incredibly prolific volume of goals. An 18-year-old from the ACT, she’s learning her trade and has grown throughout the season. A Swifts Academy member and part of the NSW U19s, she continues to grow in the rigours of this weekly competition.

(From left) Sophia Martinussen, Fran Gunn, Mia Baggett of the UTS Randwick Sparks, U23s Premier League. Picture: May Bailey/Clusterpix Photography

FRAN GUNN (UTS RANDWICK)

GK

A strong defender who always finds a way to turn the ball over in for the opposition. Wins a lot of ball and can produce flying intercepts out of the circle. Is constantly applying pressure to the shooters.

MIA BAGGETT (UTS RANDWICK)

GD

Has made the move down back to goal defence after playing as a shooter in 2024. That ability to play well in two parts of the court gives her and the team a point of difference. Extremely athletic as well.

MARLEY APLIN (GWS FURY)

C/WD

A strong nationals campaign propelled the combo C/WD to the Australian U17s side. A tremendous reward for the Orange product who has enjoyed a strong season with GWS as a versatile threat.

The GWS Fury U23s side in Netball NSW's Premier League. Photo: Narelle Spangher/ Netball NSW

AVA MOLLER (GWS FURY)

GA/GS

Played in the nationals for Canberra. Has picked up her bags and moved to Sydney to further her netball career which is blossoming. Her growth has been exceptional since making the move and is a pivotal player.

KEIRA PIGGOTT (GWS FURY)

GK

Still only 17 so is one of the younger players in the competition, but she is playing well beyond her years currently. A very talented defensive player who has made life tough for her shooting opponents.

MATILDA FANNING (SUTHERLAND)

C/WD

A quality player who is returning from a camp with the Australian U17s. Is strong in both C or WD. Has a good shut-down game but also reads the play well and is a great player in attack.

EVIE ECONOMOU (SUTHERLAND)

WA

A very clever player who plays a key role in running the attack. Very fast on her feet, Economou has good feet, good vision and defends well.

KYAH SAINT-BARRY (SUTHERLAND)

GS

Started the season playing at GK, but injuries saw her move down to GS. Saint-Barry handled the move well with her athleticism. Possesses a great vertical jump and a better shot that makes her a key.

OPEN DIVISION

AUDREY LITTLE (MANLY)

C/WA

She’s taken her game to the next level this season. A very consistent player who has beautiful vision and is able to pile on a huge number of goal assists for her shooters. Leads the attacking line really well.

MILLY TONKIN (MANLY)

GS

A really strong target for Manly in the attacking line. Is able to get through a high volume of shots at a good percentage. She is able to latch onto the ball in pressure situations and consistently delivers.

ELOUSIE EGAN (MANLY)

GK

The height of Egan is crucial for Manly as they defend their circle. She is excellent at rebounding and stopping the opposition when she is able to put pressure on the shooters.

(From left) Jamie Hume and Kelea Iongi of the South West Mounties Magic. Picture: May Bailey/Clusterpix Photography

JAMIE HUME (SOUTH WEST MOUNTIES)

GA

The captain of the Magic who has led since their inaugural season last year. Brings a wealth of experience into the fold as a Silver Ferns representative. Featured with the Northern Stars in the ANZ Premiership previously.

KALEA IONGI (SOUTH WEST MOUNTIES)

GK/GD

A Giants training partner this year, Iongi has previously represented the Central Pulse over in New Zealand. Has been working hard in the defensive end this season and was a key part of Tonga’s strong showing at its first World Cup.

Sami Bondietti and Georgie Cottle of the South West Mounties Magic. Picture: May Bailey/Clusterpix Photography

SAMI BONDIETTI and GEORGIE COTTLE (SOUTH WEST MOUNTIES)

Mid-court

These two have been holding down the mid-court with great impact. Bondietti is a previous Swifts Academy member looking to improve her skills and get back to that level, while Cottle holds an Academy spot and is firing. Both are a force to be reckoned with when they are at their best.

(From left) Eliza Burton and Lauren Woods of North Shore United. Picture: Contributed

ELIZA BURTON (NORTH SHORE UNITED)

C/WA

She is an absolute workhorse. Burton works so hard in attack and defence, is incredibly fast, has great ball skills and feeds into the circle. Determined in defence and wins a lot of ball. Boasts great change of direction and is a leader as co-captain.

LAUREN WOODS (NORTH SHORE UNITED)

GS

Would be one of the highest volume shooters in the Premier League. Shoots at an incredibly accurate clip as well. Woods is very steady, calm and composted. Can mix it up with her leads and can swing into GA when needed.

(From left) Charlotte Raleigh and Violet Wetsteyn of North Shore United. Picture: Contributed

CHARLOTTE RALEIGH AND VIOLET WETSTEYN (NORTH SHORE UNITED)

GK

North Shore has a strong defensive presences anchored by this pair. They share the role of GK and have a great ability to win the ball. They come through with some crucial intercepts and rebounds, on the back of defensive pressure played all the way down the court.

SKYE THOMPSON (SUTHERLAND)

GA

Thompson is a fast, dynamic presence in the attacking circle for Sutherland. Has the ability to shoot from anywhere and is very good defensively as well. A very important player to put on a score.

KELIS OGLE (SUTHERLAND)

GK

She is continually winning back ball for the Stingrays. Always has a good read of the play and is able to get out of the circle to contest. Ogle is also very strong when presented with a one-on-one situation.

NICOLA BARGE (SUTHERLAND)

GS

A reliable player for Sutherland who shoots at a good percentage. She scores the bulk of their goals. Barge can move, can hold and also has the ability to shoot from everywhere, making her a key target.