Netball Victoria has named the 2026 Victorian All Abilities State Team to contest the Marie Little Shield, with the national tournament set to be held in Melbourne from 4–6 September.
The competition, Netball Australia’s premier national tournament for women with an intellectual disability, will be played at Narrandjeri Stadium in Thornbury, giving Victoria the chance to compete for the title on home soil.
Victoria enters the 2026 tournament with strong recent form, having won the Marie Little Shield in 2023 before finishing runners-up to New South Wales in both 2024 and 2025.
This year’s squad brings together athletes from associations across Victoria, with Emma Daffy named captain and Jessica McCulloch appointed vice-captain as the team aims to go one better in front of a home crowd.
The team will be led by head coach Naomi Linossier, supported by assistant coach Angela Jeffery and team manager Dee Wardrop.
Netball Victoria Pathways Manager Caitlyn DeGaris said the team announcement reflected the strength of Victoria’s inclusive netball pathway.
“We’re incredibly proud of this team and grateful for the opportunity to support and elevate athletes of all abilities,” DeGaris said.
“Programs like the Marie Little Shield are vital in building an inclusive sporting culture that reflects the true strength and diversity of our netball community.”
Linossier said the group had embraced its preparation and the opportunity to represent Victoria at home.
“It is an incredible honour to continue coaching this team,” Linossier said. “This group has shown strong connection, resilience and pride throughout its preparation, and hosting the tournament in Melbourne gives the athletes an extra level of excitement as they prepare to play in front of a home crowd.”
Linossier said the squad featured a mix of experience, returning athletes and new team members, creating a strong balance as Victoria prepares to compete on home soil.
2026 Victorian All Abilities State Team – Marie Little Shield
Emma Daffy – Geelong Football Netball League
Darcie Delahunty – Dandenong & District Netball Association
Sky-Ann Grace – Warrnambool City Netball Association
Jessica McCulloch – Mountain District Netball Association / Dandenong & District Netball Association
Erin Munckton – Dandenong & District Netball Association
Rachael Potter – Dandenong & District Netball Association
Ashlea Rollason – Loddon Valley Football Netball League
Kylie Rowbottom – Melbourne East Netball Association
Caytlyn Sharp – Wyndham Netball Association
Laura Sutherland – Bayside & District Netball Association
Tilly Zegir – Bayside & District Netball Association
Development Squad
Amey Batchelor – Melbourne East Netball Association
Grace Dean – Shepparton Netball Association
Emily Harding – Manningham Netball
Grace Mbote – Wyndham Netball Association
Jazmyn Ponting – Kyabram District Netball League
The Marie Little Shield has provided athletes with an intellectual disability the opportunity to compete at a national level since 2013. Named after Sport Inclusion Australia founder Marie Little OAM, the tournament celebrates inclusion, representation and high-performance competition.
Since 2024, the competition has featured teams from every state and territory in a round-robin format to determine the national champions.
The 2026 Marie Little Shield is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria and the Confident Girls Foundation.
