The Marie Little Shield is back in 2023, the tournament having made a triumphant return last year after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. The tournament provides an opportunity for women with an intellectual disability to represent their state at a national level.
Returning to the court to represent Victoria this year are a host of familiar faces alongside some fresh talent, with all members of the team ready to make an impact on the competition this year.
Walking away with a silver medal last year following a grand final clash with New South Wales, the team in navy will be looking to go one step further this year and claim gold! Let’s meet the 10 players ready to take on the competition in 2023:
THE GOALERS
Emma Daffy (GA/GS)
Emma's intensity and drive for the ball earnt her the title of Player of the Tournament at the 2022 Marie Little Shield. Described as fierce but fair, she is accurate in goals and provides great defensive pressure. Her defensive skills often paying dividends for the Victorian side as she continues to gain the ball back. Her vocal encouragement of her teammates creates a positive team culture for all!
Erin Munckton (GS/GA)
Erin has been in the MLS program for many years, beginning as a member of the development squad before being selected in the team once she turned 16. With fantastic accuracy and an ability to use her height under the post, Erin is often called upon to shake things up in the goal circle. Always improving, her performances continue to impress as she gains more and more confidence!
Ehlana Wilkinson (GS/GA)
Ehlana is an experienced player in the Marie Little Shield competition, having played for both Victoria and Queensland in previous iterations. Her accuracy under the post is her greatest strength, and she continues to ask for feedback during training to improve her game even further. Using a mixture of holding and rotation, she combines beautifully with her fellow goalers to get in the best position to score.
THE MIDCOURTERS
Darcie Delahunty (C/WA/WD)
Darcie is a new addition to the team this year, having spent a few seasons as a member of the development squad, and the team is looking forward to seeing her step out onto the court in the navy dress for the first time. Her court awareness, accurate passing and versatility in the mid court all strengthen the quality of the 2023 side.
Renay Hall (C/WA/WD)
As the most experienced player for Victoria, Renay brings incredible court smarts. She can read the play in defence and find her teammates with accuracy in attack. Reliable and efficient, the ball is always safe in her hands. This year will be the eleventh time Renay has competed in the Marie Little Shield.
Holly O’Sullivan (WA/WD)
This is Holly's second appearance in the Marie Little Shield team. She brings an infectious positivity and energy to every training session, and is always looking for ways she can improve her game. On the court, she uses the circle edge to her advantage to ensure she is feeding the ball to her goalers with pinpoint precision.
Rachael Potter (C/WA/GA)
Rachael can play any position on the court, bringing great flexibility to the Victorian lineup. Her athleticism and strong skill set means she is reliable and exciting to watch. Strong in both attack and defence, she can quickly make an impact on any game.
THE DEFENDERS
Sky-Ann Grace (GK/GD)
Sky is a truly passionate player, as seen in her dedicated approach to every training and game day. Always putting her body on the line for her team, she is a fierce competitor with a never give up attitude, which adds to the pressure she builds on the opposing side.
Jessica McCulloch (GD/GK)
Jess is another exciting addition to the team for 2023. She has a background in both netball and basketball which gives her great versatility across both her positions. She hunts the ball well in defence and has great control of the ball when it’s in her possession.
Ashlea Rollason (GK/GD/WD)
Ashlea has returned to the Victorian side after have a few years away from the game and is a welcome addition to the defensive end. Her energy and attack on the ball brings intensity and lifts others around her, and is sure to pull a few stunning intercepts and rebounds during the tournament.
THE DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
Rebecca Bradford (C/WD)
Rebecca is a player who is always determined to improve. Her effort at training and willingness to accept feedback is one of her greatest strengths, and she has improved dramatically over the last few years.
Emily Buller (GS/GA/WA)
Emily has returned for her second year as a member of the MLS development squad. A smart player who knows how to find her teammates well, she always works hard and has continued to impress with her improvement from week to week.
Lucinda Harrison-Shore (GK/WD/GD)
Lucinda is always looking to better understand the game and improve her defensive pressure. She is light on her feet and has great closing speed when going for intercepts. Her positivity and work ethic help create a positive culture for the team.
Zannah Mills (WD/C/GD)
Zannah is an exciting new prospect to the MLS program. A quiet achiever, she is dynamic and able to adapt to benefit the needs of the squad.
Laura Sutherland (GS/GA/WA)
Laura is another exciting addition to our development squad this year. She brings an abundance of energy and enthusiasm which she uses to fuel her efforts at training. With strong ball skills and movement patterns, she is always looking for ways to improve her tactical knowledge and game play.
The 2023 Marie Little Shield Tournament will be held at Waverley Netball Centre from September 15 - 17.
Find out more about the Marie Little Shield here.
