After several years finishing middle of the ladder, Wilson Storage Southern Saints’ Championship team is poised for a stronger season as they solidify connections, especially in attack. Keep an eye on Mia Van Wyk as a player to watch this season.
The 23&Under team is also pushing for a higher ladder position after finishing off the season strong in 2025.
Championship athletes
2025 VNL finish: 7th
In: Dakota Newson (Queensland), Lauren Spinks (Peninsula Waves), Zoe Leaver (elevated from Southern Saints 23&Under), Lenna Bruun (elevated from Southern Saints 23&Under)
Returning: Holly Garac, Rahni Samason, Anna Donnelly, Saachi Donald, Mia Washington, Mia Van Wyk, Millie Roach
Out: Jessie Grenvold (SSN), Alex Moody (Boroondara Express), Jordyn Adams (Casey Demons), Tiahnee Farrell (Boroondara Express), Lavinia Fox (Peninsula Waves), Kate Kelly-Oman
Wilson Storage Southern Saints performed well in 2025, falling just short of finals, despite the early loss of some players in Jessie Grenvold, who earned a hard-earned call up to the Melbourne Mavericks in Suncorp Super Netball; and Saachi Donald, who went down with a season ending injury. “Their absence left significant gaps, but it also created opportunities for others to step up and grow,” said Southern Saints director of netball Leah Percy.
Saints needn’t have worried, with the versatile defensive athlete Mia Van Wyk playing one of her best seasons to date. Already an experienced pathway player, Van Wyk had a year to remember in 2025, capped off by winning Player of the Series in the national Fire5 (Fast5 format) netball tournament in November against legends of the game including Kim Green, Laura Langman, and Cathrine Tuivaiti. She has been in the Melbourne Mavericks Reserves team for two years running.
Anna Donnelly (GK/GD) also stood up for Saints, earning her the team’s 2025 Coaches Award.
Saachi Donald (GK/GD) is set to return this season following hip surgery recovery, bringing her valuable height and fierce defensive pressure to this team.
To further bolster this strong defensive lineup, Southern Saints has officially elevated their versatile longtime athlete Lenna Bruun from their 23&Under team to Championship level. “Lenna continues her rise after earning valuable Championship opportunities last season,” said Percy. “With her natural talent and hunger to grow, Lenna is primed to elevate her game and become a key contributor.”
Holly Garac (C/WD/WA) will be an on-court leader this season as the side’s most experienced midcourter in just her second year of Championship netball.
She'll connect with Zoe Leaver (C/WD), who has been elevated from the club’s 23&Under side, which she captained and win the MVP award in 2025. “Zoe sets the standard on and off the court driving performance, leading with maturity, and consistently lifting those around her,” said Percy.
Dakota Newson is a new midcourt recruit who has moved to Southern Saints from Queensland with Queensland State Team experience. “Dakota joins the Saints as a breath of fresh energy – relentless, hardworking, and full of personality,” said Percy. “She brings class and experience, but also a spark that lifts the group. Her competitiveness and bubbliness have already made her a standout addition to the squad environment.”
Southern Saints have re-signed their experienced goalers, starting with Millie Roach (GS/GA) who was the team’s runner up MVP in 2025, and is in the Melbourne Mavericks Reserves team. She shot at 84% accuracy last Reserves season, and 85% in the VNL.
Roach is well supported by former Melbourne Vixen Rahni Samason (GA/GS) and Mia Washington (GA/WA) who are both back for another season.
Southern Saints are delighted to welcome fellow goaler Lauren Spinks back to the club after playing for Peninsula Waves last season. She brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to outplay even the toughest defenders. “Her versatility and netball intelligence strengthen the squad immediately,” said Percy. Spinks shot at 82% accuracy last VNL season across goal attack and shooter.
Percy said this Championship side is looking better than ever with more time together. “This preseason feels like it’s carrying a special kind of energy, and excitement is building around a team that has worked tirelessly to shape something special…
“With a roster full of athletes who are driven, dynamic, and deeply connected, the season ahead promises to deliver fast, fearless, and exciting netball. The team is ready for the challenge, and the belief is stronger than ever.”
23&Under athletes
2025 VNL finish: 11th
In: Summah Hinchcliffe, Bree Lane, Amy Park, Molly Carroll, Abbie Rixon (elevated from Southern Saints development), Olivia Spence, Bonnie Panetta – training partner (elevated from Southern Saints development)
Returning: Camille Brownjohn, Hayley Ray, Rachael Walker, Olivia Ray, Ellarnah Hanlen, Charlize Reid
Out: Alyssa Dreaneen (ACL injury), Hayley Howard (Bendigo Strikers), Lucinda Gatt (Peninsula Waves), Lenna Bruun (elevated to Southern Saints Championship), Madison Foot, Rose Laidlaw, Zoe Leaver (elevated to Southern Saints Championship), Iris Bentley
Southern Saints has welcomed several new players to their 23&Under roster for 2026 to cover elevations and gaps in experience.
Members of this side showed significant development last year under the coaching of former Diamond Sharni Layton, who has since joined West Coast Fever as assistant coach in SSN.
"From the outset, the focus was clear: create an environment where athletes could grow, challenge themselves, and enjoy the game,” said Percy.
“2025 wasn’t without its hurdles. A string of season ending injuries to key players tested the squad’s depth and resilience… The group fought hard through every round, often pushing top teams to the wire, with several narrow losses that could easily have swung the other way.”
Ellarnah Hanlen will be an important player this season with her ability to cover goals and midcourt and after a 2025 Coaches Award performance.
In goals, she’ll again link up with Hayley Ray, and her sister Olivia Ray, who has been elevated from a 2025 training partner role after playing five matches last season across goal attack, goal shooter, and wing attack.
New recruit Summah Hinchcliffe will be a key player for this goaling lineup, providing accuracy and previous VNL experience from Hawks Netball. “A strong, composed presence on court, Summah brings an unassuming confidence that anchors those around her,” said Percy.
Abbie Rixon (GA/GS/WA) also joins the team after a standout season in the VNL Reserves. “Her hunger to learn and improve makes her one of the emerging talents to watch,” said Percy.
Bonnie Panetta will offer additional goaling cover as a training partner elevated from Saints’ development team.
This team has a versatile stable of midcourt players, with most able to swing into goals or defence. Among them is Rachael Walker, who played across wing defence, centre, goal defence and goal keeper last season.
Likewise, Bree Lane can cover both areas of the court. She is returning to the Southern Saints this season after some time in Boroondara Express VNL development squad, where she tied for the VNL Reserves MVP award in 2025. “Her relentless work ethic, intensity, and competitive edge set the tone the moment she started back at Saints,” said Percy. “Bree brings both grit and composure to this year’s campaign and is poised to become a key asset in high pressure moments throughout the 2026 season.”
Molly Carroll is a true midcourter who has joined Saints for her first VNL season. “Dynamic, agile, and fiercely driven, Molly injects speed and creativity into the lineup,” said Percy. “Her ability to change tempo and create opportunities makes her an exciting weapon across the court.”
Saints has an exciting and young defensive lineup, including State Squad experienced Camille Brownjohn, who had a breakout VNL season in 2025.
She will continue to build on her partnership with fellow re-signed athlete Charlize Reid (GD/WD).
Olivia Spence will bring experience as she returns to Saints from Peninsula Waves. “She is smart, composed, and leads by example… Her court craft and decision‑making will strengthen the team’s defensive structures and confidence,” said Percy.
Saints’ other new defender is Amy Park, who will make her VNL debut. “A young, quiet achiever with enormous potential, Amy continues to impress with her consistency, calmness and growth,” said Percy.
Percy said the focus for this season is establishing a strong foundation. “The 2026 season ushers in a refreshed and energised 23&Under lineup, with a wave of new faces joining a strong core group who continue to uphold the Saints’ values, standards, and expectations. This blend of fresh talent and established experience creates a powerful foundation for what promises to be an exciting year.
“With so much growth, hunger, and untapped potential across the roster, they are shaping up as a team ready to surprise, evolve, and compete with purpose.”
Coaches
Longtime Saint Leah Percy continues as the club’s director of netball and Championship specialist coach.
She will lead a new coaching group this season, starting with head and championship coach Natalie Mathews, who is also the head coach of Samoa’s netball team. Mathews is a huge signing for the club, bringing significant coaching credentials, as well playing experience across Samoa, the Australian Netball League, and Indoor New Zealand.
Ness Alexandra has moved across from Boroondara Express for the opportunity to assume a 23&Under head coach role. She brings many years of coaching and VNL experience.
Kirsten Daley has also joined the coaching ranks as the 23&Under assistant coach. She is a former Saints defender who was previously in the Melbourne Kestrels squad.
