The next wave of emerging Victorian netball talent has been unveiled, with the announcement of the Victorian 17/U and 19/U state teams set to compete at the 2026 National Netball Championships.
The teams of 12 were selected following an extensive process that began in August, with initial squads of 50 refined to 25. Throughout this period, athletes took part in Netball Victoria’s Elevate program under recently appointed Melbourne Vixens’ assistant coach, Kate Upton, gaining exposure to high performance environments including strength and conditioning, nutrition, wellbeing and skill development.
Athletes were first talent identified through Netball Victoria’s pathway competitions, the Association Championships and State Titles, as well as through the Talent Academies operating across the state.
Both Victorian teams finished on the podium in 2025 with the 17/U side claiming bronze and the 19/U coming away with silver.
19/U head coach Adrian ‘AJ’ Ballantyne, who led the team to a silver medal in 2025, said:
“The standard across the selection period has been exceptional again this year, reinforcing just how strong the Victorian pathway continues to be.
“Narrowing the group to a final 12 is always incredibly difficult, but we’re confident this team has the talent, work ethic and connection to put us in a great position at Nationals.”
17/U head coach Belinda Lees, who enters her first year in the role, said:
“It’s a special moment for these athletes, with some being selected in their very first state team.
“Stepping into the head coach role this year, I’ve been incredibly impressed by the professionalism and talent this group has already shown. We’re excited to continue building towards Nationals and to help further their development within the pathway.”
19/U (2025 VNL CLUB / ASSOCIATION)
Mia Aitken – Geelong Cougars / St Mary’s Sporting Club
Eloise Argoon – Hawks Netball / Ariels VCNA
Sahara Ball – Boroondara Express / Parkville Netball
Cheryl Chen – Hawks Netball / Melbourne East Netball Association
Sienna De La Sota – Hawks Netball / Peninsula Waves
Piuti Laban – Casey Demons / Narre Warren Football Netball Club
Annecy Lyon – Melbourne University Lightning
Gemma Meadley – Casey Demons / Leongatha & District Netball Association
Molly Moylan – Wodonga Bulldogs / Netball Wodonga
Alice O’Callaghan – Melbourne University Lightning / Waverley District Netball Association
Mackenzie O’Dwyer – Bendigo Strikers / Shepparton Bears Football Netball Club
Charlize Traumanis – Gippsland Stars / Drouin Hawks
17/U (2025 VNL CLUB / ASSOCIATION)
Amber Canning* – Eastern United
Abbey Hogg – Melbourne University Lightning / Waverley District Netball Association
Kara Lander – Kingston & District Netball Association
Indiah Madden – Geelong Flyers / AFL Barwon
Cleo McLachlan – Melbourne University Lightning / Waverley District Netball Association
Manon Muir – City West Falcons / Altona Netball Association
Indi O’Connor* – Geelong Cougars / Hampden Football Netball League
Francesca Portelli – Victoria University Vultures / Parkville Netball
Imogen Sexton – City West Falcons / Altona Netball Association
Payton Simeki – Western Warriors / St Albans Caroline Springs Netball Association
Sophie Smith – South Warrnambool Football Netball Club / Hampden Football Netball League
Piper Stephens – Geelong Cougars / Hampden Football Netball League
*Subject to fitness
