The Victorian All Abilities team is out to make history when they take the court at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena this September. The defending champions are still riding the high of clinching the gold medal last year, and are taking the winning mantra into the 2024 Marie Little Shield tournament.
After success on their home court last year, the team flies into enemy territory in the hopes of claiming back-to-back gold. Let’s meet the experienced heads and fresh faces that will be taking the court in 2024:
THE GOALERS
Emma Daffy, Vice-Captain – GS, GA
Geelong Football Netball League / AFL Barwon All Abilities League
Emma’s strength and court smarts earned her player of the tournament honours in 2022, and the veteran goaler returns as vice-captain this year. She’s full of intensity and encouragement, and is accurate from anywhere in the circle.
Erin Munckton – GS, GA
Drouin and District Netball Association
This quiet achiever has all the experience at just 21 years old, having been first selected into the team when she was 16. She loves a baseline drive and rarely misses in goals thanks to her unique shooting action.
Tilly Zegir – GS, GA
Bayside and District Netball Association
As the youngest in the team at just 16, rookie Tilly is a quick footed goal shooter and brings a world of enthusiasm to her game. Another accurate goaler with loads of potential.
THE MIDCOURTERS
Rachael Potter, Captain – C, WA
Melbourne East Netball Association
Inspiring captain Rachael returns for her fifth season in the Marie Little Shield team. The cross-code athlete is hungry to lead the team to back-to-back titles, and is a dynamic, athletic midcourter that can burn her opponents with her speed. She’s always seen encouraging her team and knows how to lead both on and off the court.
Rebecca Bradford – WD, C
Warrnambool City Netball Association
After plying her trade in the development squad for a number of years, Rebecca has earned her place on the team for the first time. The regional athlete from Warrnambool can’t be faulted on her work ethic and effort. She always brings a team-first mentality, making her the ultimate wing defence!
Darcie Delahunty, Vice-Captain – C, WD, WA
Bayside and District Netball Association
Darcie returns for her second year in Victoria’s All Abilities team as a great defensive option in the midcourt and has versatility across all three positions. She turns over plenty of ball for the side and can always be relied upon to create a smooth transition down court.
Sarah Parker – WA, WD
Melbourne East Netball Association
Sarah is the oldest on the team but will be making her debut after an incredible year off court journey saw her take her fitness to the next level and earn selection. She’s been picked for the side due to her smarts in a new position and is a hard worker that’s ready to embrace the opportunity. Read her life-changing story.
THE DEFENDERS
Sky-Ann Grace – GK, GD
Warrnambool City Netball Association
Dogged and determined defender Sky-Ann is another veteran of the squad that has a ‘never say die’ attitude. She has constant body-on-body pressure, and her commitment is unwavering as she travels from Warrnambool each week, where she takes her passion to every training.
Jessica McCulloch – GD, GK
Dandenong Netball Association
Dubbed as a ‘brick wall’ by her coach, Jessica will represent Victoria for the second year after a breakout 2023 season. Her impeccable read on the ball can be attributed to her cross-code skills, where she picked up netball after playing international basketball with Marie Little Shield captain Rachael Potter.
Ashlea Rollason – GK, GD, WD
Loddon Valley Football Netball League
Mum of two, Ashlea plays an attacking style of defence where she’s unafraid to hunt down every ball. Her strong front positioning, drives, and desire to improve see her once again selected for Victoria. You can trust that every loose ball will be hunted down while Ashlea is on court.
THE DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
Abbey Corcoran – GS, GA, WA
Waverley Night Netball Association
After a few years away from the squad, long bomb specialist Abbey returns to the development squad for 2024. She’s been growing in confidence each week and knows how to find the right spaces on the court.
Holly O’Sullivan – WA, C, GS
Bayside and District Netball Association
Holly is the definition of versatility, as she can play many positions in attack and is strong on circle edge. Her ultimate positivity and team focus make her a great support for Victoria’s All Abilities team.
Lola Paterson – WA, C, WD
Bayside and District Netball Association
At just 16 and as one of the most energetic players in the squad, Lola’s height, movement down the court, and hands over pressure make her an exciting player of the future.
Laura Sutherland – GS, GA, WA
Bayside and District Netball Association
As a coaches’ dream, Laura always asks for feedback, enjoys the challenge of trainings and is steady in attack with her strong ball skills.
The championship-winning team will be led by head coach Naomi Linossier and her assistant Noel Halton again in 2024.
The Marie Little Shield is Netball Australia’s national championship for women with an intellectual disability. The competition was named after Marie Little OAM, a netballer who dedicated her life to those with an intellectual disability.
The 2024 Marie Little Shield will be open and free to the public from 6-8 September at Nissan Arena in Brisbane, and you can cheer on our Vics from the couch with all matches being livestreamed across the weekend via KommunityTV.
Find out more about the Marie Little Shield, including the 2024 fixture.
