The National Netball Championships is Netball Australia’s largest pathway event, providing development opportunities for athletes, coaches, umpires and officials.
This year’s event was held at the newly developed Jubilee Park Stadium, Frankston, with 17/U and 19/U teams from across the country coming to represent their state, competing to be crowned national champions.
After a week of competition, both Victorian teams reached the bronze medal playoff in their respective age groups, demonstrating the strength and talent in the Victorian netball pathway.
FINAL RESULTS
17/U – Bronze Medal Playoff
VIC (47) defeated NSW (44)
19/U – Bronze Medal Playoff
VIC (31) defeated by WA (36)
HIGHLIGHTS
17/U
- A gritty win over Queensland in game two of day one set up the 17s’ week. The win highlighted their ability to work together, absorb opposition crowd pressure and use it to fuel their own momentum.
- ‘Heart stopper’ was the theme of the week for the 17s, with a draw to NSW on day four, and a win in extra time in the bronze medal playoff on the final day. The team took playing in clutch moments as invaluable experience.
- Co-captains Mackenzie O’Dwyer and Mia Aitken were stand outs across the week. O’Dwyer was a solid presence throughout the midcourt, while Aitken impressed in defence, a dream combination leading their team with impressive composure.
19/U
- The 19s took every opportunity they could to put their foot down, finishing the week in second place before finals, with five wins by an average of 25 goals.
- A hard-fought win on day three against Queensland saw the Vics come out on top against the side that would go on to play for gold. A three-goal lead at the first break set the Vics up for the match, with the composure of Mia Lavis and Emma Winfield helping the team to their four-goal win.
- Defender Charli Hoey was crucial in defence throughout the week, flying out to intercept pocket balls in pivotal moments, and posed a threat to tall and short goalers alike.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Victorian Netball League continues with Round 8 seeing three matchups taking place at the State Netball Centre on Wednesday evening, and home games hosted across Casey, Bendigo and Melton over the weekend.
