10 athletes have been selected in the Victorian All Abilities team that will compete at September’s Marie Little Shield tournament – the national netball championship for women with an intellectual disability.
The athletes will be supported by four development squad members who will be training with the side in the lead up to the tournament, helping prepare the team for back-to-back gold medals.
Seven of the athletes have been selected in the Marie Little Shield team in previous years, however for Rebecca Bradford, Tilly Zegir and Sarah Parker, this will be their first year representing Victoria at a national netball championship.
The Victorian All Abilities team is one of the most successful teams to have competed in the Marie Little Shield since its inception in 2013 and will be looking to defend their title at the 2024 tournament.
“Victoria has such a strong talent pool of netballers, so we’re spoilt for choice as selectors of the Victorian All Abilities side but believe we’ve found the right group that puts us in the best position to go back-to-back at this year’s tournament,” said Victorian All Abilities team head coach Naomi Linossier.
“We’re excited and strongly believe we have a great balance of experience with an injection of fresh playing styles and have been really impressed with the way the team has gelled so far at training.
“Representing your state is a huge honour, and we find it’s really important to select athletes who value this and really use that pride to embrace the opportunity – that’s something each of these athletes have already displayed.”
VICTORIAN ALL ABILITIES TEAM
Rebecca Bradford - Warrnambool City Netball Association
Emma Daffy - Geelong Football Netball League / AFL Barwon All-Abilities League
Darcie Delahunty - Bayside and District Netball Association
Sky-Ann Grace - Warrnambool City Netball Association
Jessica Mcculloch - Dandenong Netball Association
Erin Munckton - Drouin and District Netball Association
Sarah Parker - Melbourne East Netball Association
Rachael Potter - Melbourne East Netball Association
Ashlea Rollason - Loddon Valley Football Netball League
Tilly Zegir - Bayside and District Netball Association
Development squad
Abbey Corcoran - Waverley Night Netball Association
Holly O'Sullivan - Bayside and District Netball Association
Lola Paterson - Bayside and District Netball Association
Laura Sutherland - Bayside and District Netball Association