We list the best young netballers in country Victoria this year
Regional Victoria has a rich history of helping develop Australian Diamonds netballers. Now we’ve profiled the rising stars making waves in country competitions. See the list.
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Country netball is not only part of the lifeblood of regional communities around Victoria but plays an important part in shaping the Australian Diamonds.
A few of the current Diamonds have come from country towns and some of the sport’s greats were developed and raised in those areas.
The next generation are now looking to follow in their footsteps.
Now we’ve profiled the top rising stars of country Victoria netball.
Some are already established in senior teams while others are on their way after making a senior debut this year.
Holly Adams-Alcock, Newtown & Chilwell
Adams-Alcock is among the next generation of stars among an established Towners’ premiership line-up, but has shown in her games at the top flight this year – including 61 and 84-goal performances – she’s more than capable in A-grade, while she’s also lined up in VNL and for Victoria’s 19 & Us.
Mia Aitken, St Mary’s
A regular state representative, the key defender is already into her third A-grade season as an 18-year-old, with smarts, skills and speed all part of her arsenal.
Tilly Baker, Lara
A new recruit at Lara, the goal shooter has quickly acclimated to a new league, averaging 30 goals at a clip of 83.9 per cent.
Amelia Bakker, Thomson
Joined Thomson this season with two years A-grade experience in the Bellarine league, with the 21-year-old a strong addition to the Tigers’ defence.
Marnie Beks, Old Collegians
A talented cricketer who is also very handy at netball. Has been playing in the centre for Old Collegians this season after making her A-grade debut in 2023.
Arlee Bennett, Ocean Grove
The 20-year-old goaler has taken her game to a new level in her second year with the Grubbers. Third in the league for goals, she’s averaging 26.4 points per game at 81.9 per cent accuracy – up from 13.8 at 74 in 2024 – to play a central role in the reigning premier’s spotless record this year.
Scarlotte Benney, Anglesea
The 15-year-old midcourter is amid a rookie A-grade season for the Roos, and one to watch for the future as she comes up through the Geelong Flyers’ development program.
Tully Bethune, Portarlington
An injury-interrupted 2024 season has seen the former state goaler take a step back from high performance pathway programs including VNL in 2025 to focus on local netball with a new club in Portarlington. The 19-year-old is among the league’s top 5 shooters with an average 24.2 points per game at 81.5 per cent.
Lucia Bugeja, Bannockburn
Bugeja is part of Bannockburn’s new-look youth-led A-grade side, with the teen – also part of the Geelong Flyers’ development squad – able to roll through all three midcourt positions.
Indiana Cameron, Camperdown
A rising star for Camperdown. She finished third in the under-17 best and fairest in the Hampden league and the midcourter has played plenty of top grade this year.
Jorja Caruso, Bell Post Hill
The young goal defender is getting her first crack at A-grade, after crossing from Newtown & Chilwell in the GFNL where she won an U19 premiership in 2023.
Sadie Cheesman, Lake Wendouree
The co-captain at the Lakers and a talented midcourter who is playing her best netball after an injury hit season in 2024. Is part of the Western Warriors under-23 VNL team.
Remee Christian, Lockington Bamawm United
Has made the move to A-grade this season and played well for the Cats. Last year she was runner up in the under-17 best and fairest for the Heathcote District league.
Shae Clifford, Sandhurst
The captain of the Bendigo Strikers under-23 VNL team. A talented midcourter, from Castlemaine, who is playing for Sandhurst this year. Last year, she won the best and fairest at the Strikers, in under-23, in their first season in the VNL.
Ella Closter, St Joseph’s
A new recruit in the GFNL, Closter has quickly made her presence known as a goal shooter, second in the league with 35.5 points a game. At 19, she also plays in Western Warriors’ 23 & U VNL side.
Madison Colbert, Modewarre
Colbert has worked herself into Warriors’ defensive rotations in her first year at the club, after previously gaining A-grade experience with Anakie in the GDFNL.
Kiralee Collings, Torquay
The 21-year-old midcourter is already a league best and fairest, taking out Bellarine’s top award in her first season with the Tigers in 2024 after arriving from Bendigo.
Willow Conlan, Woorinen
Been a vital part of Woorinen’s attack in the Central Murray league. Still eligible for under-17, she recently represented the league in interleague.
Makaela Connelly, Bell Park
A strong target under the post, the 20-year-old goaler is a current top 5 shooter in the GFNL this year, averaging 33 points per game at 86.1 per cent.
Marli Cottam, Rochester
Cottam has stepped up this year, showing she is a leader of the club. She recently made her debut in A-grade and is the captain of the under-17 team. She plays predominantly as goal attack.
Ava Cuolahan, Colac
The goal keeper-goal defender is in her second year of A-grade, and tasked with spearheading a young, new-look Tigers side.
Jorja Delcastegne, Robinvale Euston
Played well this season for Robinvale Euston after making a return to the Eagles after a year off. Is a tall, agile player with natural athleticism. She plays in defence.
Audrey Domaille, Lake Wendouree
Has been a standout in the goal defence role this season for the Lakers. Is also part of the Victorian First Nations team for the upcoming nationals.
Maddison Drake, Allansford
In her third year of A-grade despite still being a teenager. Has scored more than 150 goals for the Cats and has worked well with teammate Lilly Sanderson.
Eliza Dunell, Newtown & Chilwell
Another young gun on the edge of the Towners’ tough-to-crack A-grade side, the goaler has come along in leaps and bounds to cement a position in Geelong Cougars’ 23 & Us this year after starting as a replacement player in 2024.
Remy Duynhoven, Western Eagles
A talented goal shooter who last year was voted as the best player in the A-grade by the coaches of the Colac District league. A talented netballer who has a bright future.
Kiahna Fallon, St Joseph’s
At 21, Fallon is already a two-time GFNL team of the year wing defender at former club South Barwon, before joining the Joeys this year alongside her VNL commitments with Geelong Cougars.
Kiara Foster, Colac Imperials
A talented shooter in the Colac District league. Has twice scored more than 50 goals in games this season. She also represented the league in interleague.
Emmy Frith, Irrewarra-Beeac
Won the 15-and-under best and fairest last year in the Colac District league. This year is playing 17 and under netball and has also been playing seniors.
Skye Fulton, Grovedale
The defender is playing strong netball in her first year for the Tigers, after arriving from the Ovens and Murray league.
Addison Funcke, Lake Wendouree
Was part of the under-17 Ballarat league junior representative team last year. Has now transitioned to being part of the A-grade squad and is currently top-five in the goalscorers.
Alual Garang, Werribee Centrals
The circle defender is not short of admirers despite only just ageing out of 19 & Us, with Interleague coach Justine Radford hand-picking Garang for this year’s side.
The teen, now in her third A-grade campaign, was the Centurions’ 19 & U best and fairest winner in their 2024 premiership season.
Isabelle Grapsas, St Mary’s
The 21-year-old co-captain of the Saints, Grapsas is averaging 24.1 points as a goal attack, while she has swung into wing attack for City West Falcons’ 23 & Us this year.
Sienna Green, Warragul
Finished runner-up last year in the Gippsland league best and fairest. Is a midcourter who not only players for the Seagulls but in the VNL for the Hawks.
Ruby Hall, Irrewarra-Beeac
Played her first A-grade game this season for the Bombers and played her first senior netball game at 13. Last year, she finished third in the best and fairest in the under-15 competition and recently was selected for Colac District in under-17 in interleague.
Nikita Hanson, Benalla
Played every game for the Saints and is a versatile netballer. She can play both in attack and in the midcourt and is a leader despite her young age.
Maggie Harris, East Point
Knows how to pass the ball quickly and is strong in the contest. The wing attack has been one of the best players for the Kangaroos this season.
Kate Head, Echuca
Has a strong presence on court with her height. Can play anywhere on the court but usually plays in attack. Has been playing A-grade netball for the Murray Bombers but has also been playing in under-17. Has good composure and decision making for her age.
Natalie Heagney, Leopold
The 21-year-old is in her second year in the GFNL after previously playing in the Bellarine league, and while she’s missed a handful of games this year with a broken nose, the goaler has averaged 26.7 points per game at 80 per cent.
Rhani Hendy, Mooroopna
The 16-year-old is a full time Goulburn Valley league A-grade player and is a real leader to her team. In 2023 she won the under-15 best and fairest in the league before finishing second in the under-17 best and fairest in the GV league in 2024. A star on the rise.
Lulu Higgins, Anglesea
The 20-year old key defender is in her first year of A-grade netball with the Roos, after a year out of the game for study, following an 19 & U premiership with Newtown & Chilwell in 2023.
Teal Hocking, Kangaroo Flat
Is part of the Bendigo Strikers VNL championship team despite being eligible for the under-23 side. A talented goal shooter who is originally from Rochester, Hocking plays her local netball at Kangaroo Flat.
Chloe Hobbs, Drysdale
The versatile Hobbs can play both ends of the court – seen by a swing from goals to defence this year amid the Hawk’s injury troubles. In her second A-grade season, Hobbs is still eligible for 19 & Us.
Charli Hoey, Geelong West Giants
The star defender captained Victoria’s 19 & U side to a silver medal at this year’s national championships, while she is also a key member of Geelong Cougars’ 23 & Us side.
Amelia Holland, Leopold
The 20-year-old is a linchpin in the Lion’s midcourt, a regular at senior level for more than four years, while she’s stepped up into the City West Falcons’ 23 & Us line-up.
Poppy Holland, Colac Imperials
Made the move to Colac Imperials during the off-season. Holland can play in a variety of roles in the midcourt and in attack and has played A-grade throughout for the Imps this season. In one game she scored 26 goals.
Ella Kerlin, Colbinabbin
Currently plays for the Bendigo Strikers in under-23 in the VNL. Last year, she finished runner up in the Heathcote District league best and fairest for A-grade. A talented goal shooter.
Esther Kidmas, Grovedale
A former Tasmanian 19 & U representative, Kidmas continues to make a name for herself in her second year in the GFNL, the goal shooter averaging 31.86 points per game at 87.1 per cent efficiency.
Keely Kinsey, Queenscliff
Already in her third A-grade season for the Coutas, the versatile Kinsey can play through the midcourt as well as in goals, and was also crowned Bellarine’s U19 best and fairest last year.
Olivia Lenehan, Old Collegians
Represented Warrnambool District in under-17 interleague earlier this season. The goal attack is one of the rising stars in the competition.
Ally Leng, Modewarre
The talented midcourter is a new face at Modewarre this season, having dominated at A-grade level for her former club Mildura in the Sunraysia league.
Cleo Lofts, St Mary’s
A goaler, who can play ends of the court, Lofts has been part of the Saints’ A-grade set-up for three years, with the teenager also a regular name through the talent pathway programs, including this year’s Geelong Cougars’ development team.
Lily Maclean, Barwon Heads
The goal keeper was best on court in the Seagulls’ U19 premiership win in 2024, with the youngster earning promotion to A-grade this season.
Cadence Major, Lockington Bamawm United
Has won an incredible three straight best and fairest awards in the Heathcote District league. In 2022, she was the under-13 best and fairest in the league before winning the under-15 best and fairest in back-to-back years in 2023 and 2024. A star of the future.
Olivia Makowski, Grovedale
The 21-year midcourter is a dual-sport athlete, excelling in both A-grade netball at Grovedale and division 1 football with St Joseph’s.
Isabelle Marsh, Portarlington
An up-and-coming defensive midcourter, Marsh crossed to the Dees’ this year from the GDFNL, and is part of the Geelong Cougars’ 23-and-under development team.
Tae McGillivray, Anglesea
The defender has established herself as an A-grade regular in the past 18 months, with the 17-year-old also coming through the Geelong Flyers program and AFL Barwon representative netball ranks.
Lola McInerney, Wentworth
A talented netballer who has risen from juniors to being a part of the A-grade team this season. Can play in attack and defence.
Grace McIntyre, Colbinabbin
A talented junior who has been part of Netball Victoria state squads. In 2023, she won the under-17 best and fairest in the Heathcote District league and is now a major part of the Colbinabbin A-grade team.
Matilda McIntyre, Colbinabbin
Plays for the City West Falcons in the under-23 VNL. Is a goal shooter for Colbinabbin and has won premierships and club awards throughout her junior career.
Gemma Meadley, Leongatha
Is part of the Australian under-17 pathway squad and at the age of 17 is playing for Casey’s under-23 team in the VNL. Meadley plays in defence.
Amelia Membrey, Allansford
A former under-17 Warrnambool District representative. Membrey has been playing as centre in A-grade this year and been one of the best.
Maddie Mickovski, Portarlington
A tall and versatile midcourter, Mickovski is back playing regular netball for the Demons’ and Geelong Cougars’ 23-and-unders after overcoming a shoulder injury last year.
Mia Mills, Merrivale
Moved to the Tigers this season and has been an integral part of the team. Is also a handy basketballer.
Mikaela Minns, Bannockburn
A key defender, Minns took her talents abroad this summer to play in Malaysia’s Netball Super League, before returning to the City West Falcons’ 23 & Us set up.
Maggie Monaghan, Imperials
Finished in the top-five in the under-17 best and fairest last year. This year, she’s been among the best in A-grade for the Imperials, making the rise to seniors and impressing.
Eliza Mooney, Wodonga Raiders
She was selected in Victorian 19 and under squad earlier this year and represents the Bendigo Strikers in under-23 in the VNL. She is a talented tall defender.
Ashleigh Morello, Mildura
A smart, sharp shooter who made her debut in the A-grade of the Sunraysia league this year. Is also a handy basketball player.
Charlotte Morey, Bell Park
A Geelong Cougars’ championship player at just 19, Morey’s 2024 season ended early with injury, but the former state midcourter is back and impressing for new GFNL club Bell Park.
Macie Mortlock, Barwon Heads
The midcourter is impressing in her rookie A-grade season, after she was runner-up in the Bellarine’s U19 best and fairest count last year.
Sian Mortlock, Newcomb
The goal attack boasts great athleticism, with the 21-year-old an A-grade regular for the Power for three seasons.
Molly Moylan, Wodonga Bulldogs
Was selected in Victorian 17 and under squad earlier this year and co-captained the team. Has been playing seniors and is a strong shooter with good hands under pressure.
Morna Naquto, Red Cliffs
A talented defender who can represent Fiji in national competition. In 2023, she almost made the squad to compete at the Netball World Cup. A young gun of the future.
Varanisese Naquto, Red Cliffs
A tough defender for the Tigers. Naquto, who plays as goal keeper, has been one of the best this season for Red Cliffs.
Gracie Navarro, North Geelong
A dynamic defensive midcourter, Navarro also plies her sporting trades on the footy field as a tough midfielder.
Claire Newcombe, Lara
The 21-year-old Newcombe is the Cats’ reigning best and fairest, and a key piece to their midcourt since becoming an A-grade regular in 2023.
Payton Noonan, Merrivale
A talented netballer and basketball player. Noonan has been a major part of the A-grade team this year and in 2023 was the best on ground in Merrivale’s under-17 grand final win in the Warrnambool District league. She is the current leader in goals scored in A-grade.
Tilly O’Brien, Western Eagles
Had a breakout season last year in the Colac District league in A-grade. O’Brien is a defender who has been key to the Western Eagles the past season and a half.
Milly O’Kane, Wangaratta Magpies
Was selected in Victorian 17 and under squad earlier this year and has been playing senior netball this season. Last year, she won the under-17 best and fairest in the Ovens and Murray league.
Indi O’Connor, Koroit
Already playing seniors, despite being just 15-years-old. And she’s making a big impact, playing in goal attack, and helping the team to wins. O’Connor also plays VNL for the Geelong Cougars.
Shelby O’Sullivan, Koroit
A midcourter who helped the Saints to make last year’s grand final in the Hampden league. A talented netballer who made her debut in the top grade at the age of 13.
Evie Oldham, Irymple
Part of the under-17 Sunraysia representative team and was one of the best players in the team.
Jazmin Parker, Red Cliffs
This year’s captain at Red Cliffs. Is also a talented shooter and strong around the contest for her age.
Monique Parker, South Barwon
A goal attack who can move into the midcourt, Parker stepped up to A-grade full time in 2025 crossing from powerhouse Newtown & Chilwell to South Barwon while returning for a second year in Geelong Cougars’ 23 & Us.
Ava Pell, Kyabram
Currently the captain of the under-17 team at the Bombers. Has also played four matches in A-grade this season. Can play in a variety of roles including centre, wing defence and goal attack.
Cheyenne Philpott, Thomson
A regular in A-grade since she was 15, the versatile Philpott is already a club best and fairest winner. The one-time goaler has found a new home in defence this season for the ladder-leaders.
Mary Place, Colac
In her first full A-grade season at the GFNL level, after winning a B-grade premiership last season, Place has impressed for the rebuilding Tigers’ top side, sinking 30.6 points per game at 83.3 per cent.
Ebony Porter, Lake Wendouree
Moved from North Ballarat to Lake Wendouree in the off-season and has impressed as a goal shooter. Is a part of the Western Warriors under-23 VNL team.
Olivia Powell, Newtown & Chilwell
A hardrunning centre, Powell is building up game time in the GFNL reigning premier’s A-grade set-up as well as with City West Falcons’ 23 & Us.
Rylee Reid, Western Eagles
Won the under-17 best and fairest in the Colac District league last year. She also made her debut in A-grade in the same year, playing at wing attack. A young gun of the future.
Makeely Rogers, Bell Park
An A-grade regular since 2023, the circle defender and captain is one Dragons coach Jayne Soden says should be on people’s radar, the 20-year-old also a current training
partner with Geelong Cougars’ 23 & Us.
Eva Ryan, Warrnambool
The teenager is one of the leading shooters in Hampden netball. She also plays VNL with the Western Warriors.
Lilly Sanderson, Allansford
Made the move to the Cats during the off-season and has been one of the best players. The goal shooter is currently in the top-five in goals in A-grade.
Millie Sibley, South Colac
A talented sportsperson. Not 0nly is Sibley a great netballer but she’s also a handy basketballer and cross country runner. She’s played most matches for South Colac this season and scored 39 goals in attack.
Charlotte Sexton, Sandhurst
Is a training reserve for the Melbourne Vixens. A tall defender who is also part of the Bendigo Strikers championship team in the VNL. Is a state and national representative player who is also part of the Sandhurst Dragons.
Lulu Shaw, Geelong Amateur
Last year’s Bellarine rookie of the year playing majority in B-grade, the attacking midcourter is a regular in the top flight in 2025. Also plays for the Geelong Cougars’ 23 & Us.
Zoey Shaw, Geelong Amateur
A defensive midcourter, who can roll through wing defence, centre and goal defender, Shaw made her A-grade debut at just 15 in 2022 before taking out Bellarine rookie of the year honours in 2023. Like sister Lulu, is a key part of the Geelong Cougars’ 23 & Us squad.
Maggie Smith, North Ballarat
Moved from Ouyen United in the Sunraysia league to North Ballarat in the Ballarat league in the off-season. Recently made her debut and did not look out of place. She helped Ouyen United to win the premiership last year.
Anna Solomon, Morwell
Plays for the Gippsland Stars in the VNL in under-23. Was also recently selected and will be captain of the Victoria First Nations team. Solomon is a defender who can play in multiple positions.
Holly Stephens, Morwell
Recently selected as part of the Victorian First Nations team, which will compete at the nationals in August. Stephens is a VNL under-23 player for Casey. A talented goal shooter who has scoring plenty of goals for the Tigers this year.
Piper Stephens, Camperdown
Is the reigning under-17 best and fairest winner in the Hampden league. Been playing in the top grade of Hampden netball at goal attack.
Kasey Stone, Lockington Bamawm United
Still eligible for under-17 but is playing A-grade for the Cats. In 2022, she was part of the under-17 Lockington Bamawm United team who went unbeaten and won the premiership in the Heathcote District league.
Keeley Tallentyre, Corio
The 20-year-old has improved out of sight in 2025 to become the Devils’ starting A-grade centre, after beginning the year playing B-grade.
Dasha Taylor, Gisborne
Plays for the Western Warriors in under-23 in the VNL and for Gisborne in the Bendigo league. A talented midcourter who last year represented Victoria at the under-19 nationals.
Charlize Traumanis, Drouin
A talented goal shooter who is playing well for the Hawks in the Gippsland league. Traumanis is also part of the Victoria under-19 squad and is a VNL under-23 player for Gippsland Stars. A bright talent.
Mackenzie Trotter, Huntly
Is part of the Netball Victoria talent academy for this year. Recently made her 50th appearance for Huntly.
Millie van Diemen, Lara
New to Lara and the GFNL this year, van Diemen has been a strong circle defender for the building Cats, with the teen playing more wing defence for Boroondara Express’ 23 & Us line-up.
Mia Van Wyk, Newtown & Chilwell
The 20-year-old’s experience belies her age, with the dynamic defender a third-year VNL championship player at Southern Saints, while she played a key role in the Towners’ GFNL A-grade premiership last year.
Ashton Wade, Mildura
Part of the Sunraysia under-17 representative squad. Made her debut for the Demons last year and is a player with a bright future.
Bella Wallace, Nirranda
A midcourter who is already a two-time premiership winner despite being a teenager. She is a player with plenty of spark and energy and has plenty of talent.
Megan Wilson, Kangaroo Flat
Is part of the Bendigo Strikers under-23 VNL team. She joined Kangaroo Flat last season in the Bendigo league and impressed in the defensive end, playing a vital role for the Kangaroos during the finals. Knows how to play in big matches.
Georgie Willson, East Geelong
The 15-year-old has stepped up into an A-grade premiership line-up this year, with the teen playing across all three midcourt positions, though has also swung back into goal defence at 17 & Us level.
Ava Zadow, Mildura
Was named as the MVP by the club last season. A talented attacker who is part of a strong combination for the Demons.
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