Netball Victoria is celebrating a monumental year, headlined by the dominance of the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball champions, the Melbourne Vixens and unprecedented growth at grassroots level.
With a record 120,000 Netball Victoria members, 9,380 Melbourne Vixens members, and more than 300,000 Victorians engaging with the sport, 2025 has reinforced netball’s position as one of Victoria’s most popular team sports.
At the elite level, the Melbourne Vixens set the tone for a landmark year, winning the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball championship in front of a sold-out 15,000-strong Rod Laver Arena crowd, Melbourne’s largest indoor stadium. The historic season saw a record 9,380 members – the highest of any team in the league – and four sold-out home games at John Cain Arena.
The Vixens’ influence extended far across Victoria, with regional pre-season engagement bringing elite netball to communities across the state, sparking inspiration, connection, and Victorian pride.
Victoria continued to lead the nation in strength of talent and elite representation with 21 Victorian athletes signed to Suncorp Super Netball teams, six Vixens selected in the Australian Diamonds squad, and five Victorian athletes earning selection in the 21/U national squad.
Victorian state teams delivered a successful National Netball Championships campaign, with the Victorian 17/U state team winning bronze and the 19/U side claiming silver. The Victorian All Abilities state team also shone, securing silver at Netball Australia’s national tournament for women with an intellectual disability, the Marie Little Shield, highlighting the sport’s commitment to inclusive pathways. Netball Australia’s First Nations tournament was held in Victoria for the second time, with the Victorian First Nations state team coming fourth overall in front of a home crowd at Jubilee Park, Frankston.
Adding to a year of growth and leadership, netball legend Sharelle McMahon joined Netball Victoria’s executive team – a pivotal appointment strengthening the sport’s high performance vision.
In November, Netball Victoria launched its Statewide Facilities Strategy (2026–2028), a critical roadmap for repairing, upgrading, and expanding courts and venues to meet unprecedented demand. The strategy ensures every Victorian community can access safe, accessible and fit-for-purpose netball facilities.
The launch of the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan re-affirmed Netball Victoria’s commitment to First Nations Peoples and enhanced cultural understanding and representation across all levels of the sport.
The reach and inclusivity continued to grow through expanded programs supporting multicultural communities, LGBTQ+ participants and all abilities athletes, ensuring netball remains one of Victoria’s most welcoming and accessible sports.
Grassroots initiatives were implemented to support the workforce and volunteers across the state engaged with the sport. 2025 saw the introduction of the Green Bands initiative, supporting and empowering young umpires and coaches, while the Affiliate Uplift program, supported by the Victorian Government, helps bring a stronger and more professional approach to some of our most valuable assets – volunteers and administrators.
Netball Victoria CEO, Andrea Pearman said:
“With the Melbourne Vixens’ championship victory and the extraordinary growth at grassroots level, 2025 has showcased the power of netball to inspire and unite Victorians.
“Our community is at the heart of everything we do, and our purpose remains in ensuring every person has access to the sport they love.
“We are committed to growing the game, enhancing opportunities for all, and shaping a future that reflects the values of inclusivity, excellence, and connection.”
Netball Victoria president, Carol Cathcart said:
“This year’s achievements are a testament to the passion, dedication, and hard work of our entire netball community.
“From the record-breaking membership numbers to the success on the court, we are proud to see netball in Victoria continue to flourish.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate Andrea and all Netball Victoria staff on a successful 2025. Their enthusiasm and commitment to our sport and members have truly shone through all that has been achieved.”
Netball Victoria remains committed to every dollar raised through membership and provided through funding and sponsors, is reinvested directly back into the sport, strengthening communities and supporting participation at every level.
Looking ahead, Netball Victoria is preparing to develop its next Strategic Plan, ensuring the organisation continues to lead with ambition, purpose, and a clear vision for the future of the sport.
With record participation, elite success and a deepening commitment to community and inclusion, the future of netball in Victoria has never looked brighter.
