Casey Demons has recruited far and wide for their 2026 Championship division team, signing Jess Haynes from the UK, and multiple players from other Victorian Netball League (VNL) clubs. This experience will be needed to fill the shoes of the versatile Sacha McDonald, who has earned a full-time Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) contract.
The 23&Under team has some exciting new names, including a Western Australian State Team athlete.
Championship athletes
2025 VNL finish: 4th in regular season, 6th in finals
In: Keeley Burgmann (Hawks Netball), Sophie Hennessey (Boroondara Express), Jessica Haynes (Netball Super League), Jordyn Adams (Wilson Storage Southern Saints), Emily Salmon – training partner, Tenielle Boland – training partner, Eliza Grenvold – training partner (South Australia)
Returning: Georgie Whittle, Olivia Hamilton, Ella Rees, Gabrielle Dwyer, Emma Ryde, Ashleigh Gill, Piuti Laban
Out: Sinead Lumsden, Ashley Morris, Sarah McCabe, Stephanie McNay, Sacha McDonald (SSN)
Casey Demons’ Championship team made finals for the first time in many years in 2025, which they’ll push for again in 2026.
“The growth of our players and how they came together as a team to embrace all challenges was a real highlight,” said Casey Demons Championship head coach Erin Bell. “For the 2026 season, we feel we now have our base. We know our strengths and can now continue to work on our combinations and bring our new players in to complement our existing structures.”
To bolster their squad, Casey has recruited four new full-time athletes, and three new training partners.
The first signing is young Keeley Burgmann (GA/GS) from Hawks Netball who will help fill the attacking void left by Sacha McDonald after earning a Suncorp Super Netball contract with the Melbourne Mavericks. “We are excited to see Keeley’s versatility… We feel she gives us something different in the goal circle to what we already have in terms of her court movement,” said Bell.
McDonald’s SSN signing marks the second consecutive year a Casey Demons player has been picked up at the elite level, following Sharni Lambden joining the NSW Swifts in 2025 – a testament to the club’s pathway.
Burgmann will link up with foundation Demons athlete and dominant goal shooter, Emma Ryde. She brings many years of professional experience to this side and is a standout player in the Gippsland League, where she recently became the first ever player to shoot over 1000 goals in a regular season.
Another longtime Demon, 18-year-old Piuti Laban (GA/WA), has also re-signed for her second year at Championship level The talented attacker recently made her third consecutive Victorian State Team and represented Samoa at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup. “After her first full season in Championship, I am excited to see what Piuti Laban can deliver in 2026. As a young player who has been at Casey since the beginning, she has cemented her place at our club and is now ready to step up and be a gamechanger,” said Bell.
Eliza Grenvold (GA/GS) will provide further shooting cover as a training partner after moving from South Australia. She has played five seasons in the South Australian Premier League and is the sister of Melbourne Mavericks defender Jessie Grenvold.
The Demons midcourt will be run by Ashleigh Gill (C/WD) who brings speed, smarts, and a relentless work rate to the court.
She’ll again be joined by Olivia Hamilton, who has officially signed to the Championship side after being elevated to this level mid last season.
Casey has signed Sophie Hennessey from Boroondara Express for her experience, fitness, and craft in the midcourt. “She has versatility to cover all three positions if needed,” said Bell.
Jordyn Adams (WD/C) from Wilson Storage Southern Saints is another new midcourter this season. “She is a hard worker who will provide us some extra defensive coverage in the midcourt,” said Bell.
Training partner Emily Salmon (WD/C) will provide further midcourt cover. She has been signed to a VNL side for the first time after winning the 2025 Premier Division Netball Best & Fairest award in the Eastern Football Netball League. “She has been selected for her versatility, athleticism and ability to read the game,” said Bell.
In the defence end, Demons has picked up a big name in Jess Haynes (GD/GK) from the UK who played in the Netball Super League for the past three seasons and has moved to Australia to pursue further netball opportunities. Her netball idol is Geva Mentor, who she played with at Leeds Rhinos last year.
Haynes joins re-signed defender Ella Rees who predominantly covers goal keeper.
Gabrielle Dwyer (GD/GK) has also re-signed. She brings a competitive edge, energy, and team spirit to this side, tying for the team’s runner up Best and Fairest award in 2025.
Versatile defensive player Georgie Whittle is back for her second year at Casey after an injury-affected 2025. “We are excited to have her back in 2026. Her positivity on the sideline impacted the team in a positive way,” said Bell. “She set the standard for what it looks like to be a supportive teammate and put your team first, so although it was very difficult to have her on the sideline for most of the season, she really contributed to setting the standards of what is expected.”
Teneille Boland (GK/GD) has also signed as a training partner as she returns to play post parental leave. “Her speed and ability to combine with others is her strength,” said Bell.
23&Under athletes
2025 VNL finish: 9th
In: Georgia Courtis, Remy Church, Ava Banks, Ashleigh Holzer, Sienna Kukulj, Willow Bridgeman – training partner, Lucy Mollo – training partner
Returning: Grace Ioelu, Ruby Dwyer, Gemma Meadley, Georgia Nyssen, Holly Stephens, Ellie Brasser, Mollie Helmot, Jessie Prvulj
Out: Ashlee Hyde, Lily Kelly, Lupe Fonua (Peninsula Waves), Mikayla Phillips, Millie Barrientos, Victoria Downward
There’s been some movement in Demons’ 23&Under team as they aim to move up the ladder in 2026.
“The young 23&Under side showcased some season highlights with important wins against tough opposition each week. “They will be looking for greater consistency in 2026 within the game, across the quarters, and also across the season,” said Casey Demons 23&Under head coach Michelle Mashado.
The shooting circle is in safe hands, with multiple players re-signing, including Grace Ioelu (GS/GA) who was a reserve player for Samoa at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup and shot at 90% accuracy last VNL season.
Predominant goal attack Georgia Nyssen also returns after shooting at 86% last season.
High volume shooter Holly Stephens (GS/GA) will continue leading this young goaling end with her composure and experience playing for Victoria’s First Nations team. She is also a member of the 2026 First Nations Black Swans (national) squad.
Training partner Lucy Mollo offers additional goal and wing attack cover. “An attacking player with strong movement patterns, Lucy’s ability to work the goal ring, contest rebounds and apply dynamic movement are key strengths of her game,” said Mashado.
Heading up with the midcourt is Mollie Helmot (C/WA) for her third year in the team.
Ruby Dwyer will again provide defensive pressure through the midcourt, while Jessie Prvulj brings flair in attack.
Demons are pleased to welcome back Georgia Courtis (WD/GD) who spent the 2025 VNL season at Boroondara Express. “She has chosen to return to her grassroots environment, aligning with the club’s performance standards and long-term development focus,” said Mashado. “She applies consistent defensive pressure, reads the play well to create turnover opportunities, and transitions quickly from defence to attack.”
Casey also has a 17/U Victorian State team reserve athlete up their sleeve in
16-year-old and pathway product Willow Bridgeman (WD/C), who has signed as a training partner. “Willow demonstrates strong work rate, dynamic movement and defensive pressure, while continuing to build her understanding of VNL structures and court craft,” said Mashado. “She is a valued member of the program, with potential to be elevated should opportunities arise at 23&Under level.” Bridgeman offers an aggressive style of play developed through her background in basketball.
Gemma Meadley (GD/WD) will lead Demons’ defence end after taking out their 2025 Best & Fairest award and being selected in the 2026 19/U Victorian State Team.
Likewise, Ellie Brasser (WD/GD) returns with some experience in the Championship division under her belt. “Gemma and Ellie look to cause some headaches for the opposition goalers with their strength, communication, and hunger for the ball,” said Mashado.
These star defenders will be joined by some existing new faces, starting with Sienna Kukulj (GK/GD). Sienna joins the program from Perth’s state league and the 2025 17/U Western Australia State Team and has moved to Victoria for new sporting opportunities “A tall, aerial defender, Sienna provides a strong presence across GK and GD using her height, reach, and timing to consistently contest the ball. She is rebound-focused, reads the play early, and is composed in one-on-one contests,” said Mashado.
Ava Banks has moved up the Casey pathway with her consistent performances. “A versatile defender, Ava can cover GK, GD, and WD, providing flexibility across the defensive unit. She reads the play well and is a very coachable young athlete,” said Mashado.
Remy Church is another new signing who played in the Victoria Open Mixed team in 2025. “Remy brings strong defensive pressure in WD/GD through the midcourt and defensive third,” said Mashado. “She is coachable and eager to learn, applying feedback quickly and showing a willingness to adapt to structure and system play.
Defender Ashleigh Holzer also joins Demons’ 23&Under squad from the development pathway at Peninsula Waves. “Her promotion reflects her readiness for the VNL environment and her strong application to performance standards,” said Mashado. “Ash is a fierce and determined defender who brings high defensive intensity, strong work rate and is starting to get a clear understanding of structure.”
Coaches
Casey Demons’ 2025 coaches have all re-signed for 2026.
Former Australian Diamond Erin Bell continues as the Championship head coach as well as being the Adelaide Thunderbirds’ specialist shooting coach in SSN.
She will again be assisted by Meagan Dell who has been with Casey Demons Championship side as an assistant coach since 2024, and a specialist coach prior.
Michelle Mashado will again assume the 23&Under head coach role, with Steve Murray continuing with the club as the 23&Under assistant coach.
Demons is excited to welcome Kate Gray as their wellbeing and support coach for the 2026 season. “Kate brings a strong focus on building connection, resilience and sustainable performance across our club,” said Rebekah Bogos, Casey Demons chairperson. Her role will build on the important cultural work already in place, fostering an environment that is safe, inclusive and supportive for athletes, coaches and committee members alike.”
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