VNL: All the ins, outs and coaching appointments for 2026

It’s a breeding ground for the next generation of SSN netballers, as Victorian Netball League clubs shore up their lists for 2026. We break down all the key moves and fresh faces set to enter the league.

City West Falcons will look to defend their championship title in 2026, after a historic four-peat this year. Picture: Meg Saultry

Victorian Netball League clubs have been busy during the silly season, with plenty of moves made as clubs and players seek to find an edge.

City West Falcons’ championship squad will again be the hunted after a record four-peat, while Melbourne University Lightning took out the 23-and-under title and have rewarded several premiership names with elevation to championship next year.

See all the latest moves from across the VNL heading into 2026.

Bendigo Strikers

Ex-SSN netballer Elle McDonald has signed with Bendigo after spending the last three seasons in the UK Super League. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

In: Elle McDonald (UK Super Netball), Dayna Williams (Melbourne University), Hayley Howard (Southern Saints), Emily Miles (Gisborne).

Out: Mackenzie O’Dwyer (North East Blaze).

Champs squad: Charlotte Sexton, Ruby Turner, Teal Hocking, Meg Williams, Harriett Gall, Zoe Davies (all returning), Elle McDonald (new), Dayna Williams (new), Hayley Howard (new), Shae Clifford (elevated), Mia McCrann-Peters (elevated).

23 & U squad: Ella Kerlin, Jorja Clode, Eliza Mooney, Elsie Boyer, Asha Gray, Harriett Whitearce, Claire McGee (all returning), Cayde Hayes (elevated), Jasmine Burke (elevated), Alice Kain (elevated), Emily Miles (new).

Coaching announcements: Tracey Brereton returns for a third year as head coach, while Fiona Boyer has joined as 23-and-under coach after Brereton led both the championship and 23 & U sides in 2025.

Boroondara Express

In: Kirsty Clark (Hawks), Alex Moody, Tiahnee Farrell (both Southern Saints),Taylah Werner, Jayde Hall (both Peninsula Waves), Georgia Hernan (formerly Peninsula), Georgia Shattock (North East Blaze)

Out: Casey Adamson (Giants SSN), Sophie Hennessy (Casey Demons), Zanna Punschon, Jacinta McGinley (North East Blaze).

Reigning VNL championship MVP Casey Adamson had her form rewarded with a Super Netball contract with Giants. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

Champs squad: Taylah Brown, Sarah Szczykulski, Ruby Pekin-Schlicht, Ally Black, Zali Anderson, Isabelle Hodgson, Naomi Fitzpatrick (all returning), Leila Simpson (elevated), Kirsty Clark (new), Alex Moody (new), Tiahnee Farrell (new), Taylah Werner (new/elevated), Georgia Hernan (new).

23 & U squad: Ella Harvey, Sahara Ball, Henrietta Donoghue, Jemma Whitaker, Abby Hocking,Chloe Eyre, Ava Gaul, Millie Van Diemen (all returning), Tilly Baker (elevated), Amelia Haxby (elevated), Abbey Luttick (elevated),Georgia Shattock (new), Jayde Hall (new/elevated).

Coaching announcements: TBC.

Casey Demons

In: Jess Haynes (UK Super League), Sophie Hennessy (Boroondara Express), Jordyn Adams (Southern Saints), Keeley Burgmann (Hawks), Sienna Kukulj (WA), Georgia Courtis (Boroondara Express), Ash Holzer (Mount Martha), Remy Church.

Casey Demons’ champs captain Sacha McDonald also departs for the Super Netball, earning a contract for Melbourne Mavericks. Picture: Grant Treeby/NV

Out: Sacha McDonald (Melbourne Mavericks SSN).

Champs squad: Puiti Laban, Ash Gill, Georgie Whittle, Liv Hamilton, Ella Rees, Emma Ryde, Gabby Dwyer (all returning), Jess Haynes (new). Sophie Hennessy (new), Jordyn Adams (new), Keeley Burgmann (new).

23 & U squad: Jessie Prvulj, Georgia Nyssen, Ruby Dwyer, Grace Ioelu, Gemma Meadley, Mollie Helmot, Ellie Brasser, Holly Stephens (all returning), Ava Banks (elevated), Willow Bridgeman (elevated), Sienna Kukulj (new), Ash Holzer (new), Georgia Courtis (new), Remy Church (new).

Coaching announcements: Erin Bell returns for a second year at the helm of the championship side, with Michelle Mashado also returning as 23-and-under coach.

City West Falcons

In: Tully Bethune (Portarlington/formerly Geelong Cougars), Alual Garang (Werribee Centrals), Molly Moylan (Wodonga Bulldogs).

Out: Matilda McIntyre (Melbourne University Lightning).

Champs squad: Chelsea Imanisani, Jane Cook, Lucia Fauonuku, Charity Nasalio, Maggie Lind, Sussi Liai, Sophie Hanrahan, Madelyn Romios (all returning).

23 & U squad: Olivia Powell, Holly Adams-Alcock, Mikaela Minns, Amalani Fauonuku, Amelia Holland, Achel Yout (all returning), Imogen Sexton (elevated), Alual Garang (new), Tully Bethune (new), Molly Moylan (new), Emily Fitzgerald, Abhi Sanjeev, Ella Leith, Manon Muir.

Coaching announcements: TBC

Geelong Cougars

In: Alex Booker (Melbourne University Lightning).

Out: Charli Hoey (Hawks), Charlize Bellette (Western Warriors).

Alex Booker crosses from Melbourne University to hometown club Geelong Cougars. Picture: Grant Treeby/NV

Champs squad: Alahria Smith, Charli Nicol, Kiahna Fallon, Stephanie Boyce, Carly Sanders (all returning), Alex Booker (new).

23 & U squad: Georgia Howell, Monique Parker, Mia Aitken, Indi O’Connor, Eliza Dunell, Zoey Shaw, Keeley Smith, Maddie Mickovski, Mimi Lockwood, Lulu Shaw (all returning), Sienna Butcher (elevated), Eliza Hannagan, Eliza Oxley, Indiah Madden, Alexandra Whatley.

Coaching announcements: Gerard Murphy returns as head coach and championship mentor, with Mel Savage to again lead Geelong’s 23-and-under.

Gippsland Stars

In: Keighley Starrett (Hawks), Sam Silvester (North East Blaze),Abby Williams (North East Blaze), Abbey Barrientos, Mia Williams, Amber Holt.

Out: Annabel Sheppard (North East Blaze), Charlize Traumanis (Hawks)

Goal shooter Sam Silvester joins Gippsland in 2026. Picture: Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria.

Champs squad: Alison Dwyer, Akayla Peterson, Hollie Bugeja, Sophie Lecchino, Katie Fone, Ramayer Keilty, Stacie Gardiner, Daisy Hill, Sally Deller, Shannon Blackman (all returning), Keighley Starrett (new), Sam Silvester (new), Abby Williams (new), Abbey Barrientos (new), Jordan Pyle.

23 & U squad: Katie Montgomery, Anna Solomon, Jayde Parsons, Anna Mooney, Grace Van Tilburg (all returning), Tilly Pendergast (elevated), Tyla Peters (elevated), Lara Noblett (elevated), Lexis Schade (elevated), Chloe Felsburg (elevated), Lainey Downie (elevated), Amber Holt (new), Mia Williams (new).

Coaching announcements: Karen Meredith will remain on as head coach, and take on 23&U duties in 2026, with Stacie Gardiner named championship coach as she was a playing assistant in 2025.

Geelong Cougars' 23 & U co-captain Charli Hoey joins the Hawks’ championship squad in 2026. Picture: Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria

Hawks

In: Charli Hoey (Geelong Cougars), Charlize Traumanis (Gippsland Stars), Charlotte Jones (Melbourne University Lightning).

Out: Keighley Starrett (Gippsland Stars), Keeley Burgmann (Casey Demons), Kirsty Clark (Boroondara Express).

Champs squad: Ashlea Mawer, Georgie O’Brien, Kaylia Stanton, Eryn Stocker, Chloe Duke, Sienna Green, Olivia Barnett, Jess Tetley, Ash Newham (all returning), Kaila Swindell (elevated), Charli Hoey (new).

23 & U squad: Eloise Argoon, Dakota Blade, Jasmine Hamilton, Teagan Bethune, Allie Davidson, Emma Storey, Cheryl Chen, Sienna De La Sota (all returning), Charlize Traumanis (new), Charlotte Jones (new/elevated).

Coaching announcements: Head coach and championship mentor AJ Ballantyne and 23 & U coach Monique Lenehan-Monahan have both re-signed for another two seasons through to 2027.

Melbourne University Lightning

Melbourne University Lightning player Tilly Shepherd will step up to championship in 2026, after a best-on-court performance in the club’s 23-and-under premiership. Picture: Meg Saultry

In: Matilda McIntyre (City West Falcons).

Out: Dayna Williams (Bendigo Strikers), Annecy Lyon (North East Blaze), Casey Dunstan (Peninsula Waves), Alex Booker (Geelong Cougars).

Champs squad: Claudia Mawson, Kirby Elliott, Emma Winfield, Lorna Clark, Caitlin Hill, Tepaea Hobson, Charlee Kemp, Maggie Caris (all returning), Tilly Shepherd (elevated), Montaya Sardi (elevated), Lily Davis (elevated).

23 & U squad: Millie Hogg, Kate O’Dwyer, Grace Markovic, Akira McCormack, Eliza Burge, Mackenzie Wallace, Claire Oakley, Xara Burge (all returning), Abbey Hogg (elevated), Cleo Maclachlan (elevated), Abbey Sharrock (elevated), Matilda McIntyre (new),Bella Collodetti, Clara Choi, Brianna McCrindle.

Coaching announcements: TBC.

North East Blaze

In: Ella Roberton (Peninsula Waves), Zanna Punshon, Jacinta McGinley (both Boroondara Express), Mackenzie O’Dwyer (Bendigo Strikers), Annecy Lyon (Melbourne University Lightning), Annabel Sheppard (Gippsland Stars), Alice O’Callaghan (Melbourne University/debut).

Out: Sam Silvester, Abby Williams (both Gippsland Stars), Mia Lavis, Kali Dolphin (both Western Warriors), Dee Dee Lambert (Peninsula Waves),

Champs squad: Georgia Moody, Kaitlyn Black, Tayissa Coppinger, Maddi Wallmeyer, Georgia Bowkett, Tara Watson (all returning), Ella Tennant (elevated), Madeline George (elevated), Taiysha Wallis (elevated), Ella Roberton (new), Zanna Punshon (new).

23 & U squad: Olivia Cawthray, Teaghan Coen, Ayva Tanfara, Eliza Molino (all returning), Ava Upton (elevated), Annie Harvey (elevated), Mackenzie O’Dwyer (new), Annecy Lyon (new), Jacinta McGinley (new), Alice O’Callaghan (new), Annabel Sheppard (new).

Coaching announcements: Ella Bayliss has stepped up as head coach, taking over for Kate Upton, who has signed as an assistant coach for SSN outfit Melbourne Vixens.

Peninsula Waves

In: Mwai Kumwenda (SSN), Casey Dunstan (Melbourne University), Lavinia Fox, Lucinda Gatt (both Southern Saints), Dee Dee Lambert (North East Blaze), Hannah Magasanik.

Out: Ella Roberton (North East Blaze), Lauren Spinks (Southern Saints).

Mwai Kumwenda will return for Peninsula, after first signing with the club in 2025 before taking an SSN opportunity. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Champs squad: April Bethune, Cassandra Grigoriadis, Kassidy Withers, Holly Taubert, Caitlin Cooke, Isabelle Rebecca, Tayla Furborough, Emmalia Blake, Alana McGurgan, Ella Rhodes (all returning), Mwai Kumwenda (new), Casey Dunstan (new), Lavinia Fox (new), Hannah Magasanik.

23 & U squad: Charlize Gabel-Joseph, Charlotte Sengstock, Gabby Linton, Abbey Whitaker, Ava Dunstan, Madison Mullen (all returning), Ella Duggan (elevated), Lucinda Gatt (new),Dee Dee Lambert (new), Aroha Cortes Wright, Madeline Ellis, Imogen Davison, Maliana Tapusoa.

Coaching announcements: Sue Hawkins returns as head coach, while Matt Cooke re-signed for a second year as championship coach. Chris Vickery will lead the 23 & Us.

Dakota Newson has previously played in Queensland’s Sapphire Series. Picture: Bond University

Southern Saints

In: Dakota Newson (QLD), Lauren Spinks (Peninsula Waves).

Out: Jordyn Adams (Casey Demons), Hayley Howard (Bendigo Strikers).

Champs squad: Holly Garac, Rahni Samason, Anna Donnelly, Saachi Donald, Mia Washington, Mia Van Wyk, Millie Roach (all returning), Zoe Leaver (elevated), Lenna Bruun (elevated), Dakota Newson (new), Lauren Spinks (new).

23 & U squad: Camille Brownjohn, Hayley Ray, Rachael Walker, Oliva Ray, Ellarnah Hanlen, Charlize Reid (all returning), Abbie Rixon (elevated), Bonnie Panetta (elevated), Molly Carroll, Olivia Spence, Bree Lane, Summah Hinchcliffe, Amy Park.

Coaching announcements: The Saints’ 2025 23-and-under coach Sharni Layton has been announced as an assistant coach for SSN outfit West Coast Fever, after initially being announced to be returning for the Saints in 2026.

Western Warriors

In: Megan Allen (UK Super League), Mia Lavis, Kali Dolphin (both North East Blaze),Fionnuala Mckeagney-Stubbs (prev. City West Falcons), Charlize Bellette (Geelong Cougars), Millie Scott (Parkville Netball).

Out: TBC.

Champs squad: Ruby Shannon, Olivia Ellis, Eliza Gollant, Jasmine Fraser, Simona Di Filippo, Rebecca Hicks, Poppy Douglass, Sarah Croft (all returning), Megan Allen (new), Mia Lavis (new), Kali Dolphin (new), Fionnuala Mckeagney-Stubbs (new), Amanda Umanski.

23 & U squad: Ella Closter, Charlize Cooke, Grace Hay, Kiara Boyd, Shaid Sasalu, Eva Ryan, Leona Hristovska, Sadie Cheesman, Ebony Porter, Haleina Tanoi (all returning), Holly McCarthy (elevated), Taylah Easton (elevated), Charlize Bellette (new),Millie Scott (new).

Coaching announcements: Kim Bailey returns for a third season as head/championship coach, while Tracy Howard will lead the 23 & Us for a second year. Stacey Lamb and Kim Borger have been appointed assistant coaches for championship and 23 & Us respectively.

Originally published as VNL: All the ins, outs and coaching appointments for 2026