Sport

22 May, 2026

MCDFNL selects interleague netball teams for upcoming association championships

The brightest future stars in the MCDFNL netball sphere have been assembled to battle the best of the region at the highly touted Netball Victoria’s Association Championships next weekend.

By Jonathan Peck

More than 180 Victorian associations and leagues participate in the championships, which serve as a vital cog in the Netball Victoria pathway system and a prime opportunity for young athletes to receive Talent Identification for future tournaments.

Following an extensive tryout process, the MCDFNL named 31 local netballers for their 13 and under, 15 and under and 17 and under squads.

They will compete in the Western Association Championships hosted at the Warrnambool City Netball Association on Sunday, May 31, against the likes of Ballarat, Portland and Central Highlands.

MCDFNL’s netball operations manager, Katrina Turner, said the association championship allows promising juniors to test themselves alongside their peers.

“We know each week they play against each other, but to bring them together to play with each other is great for the girls,” she said.

“The feedback I’m getting from the coaches and volunteers who attended the tryouts is that the talent is quite good again this year.

“It’s sort of the pathway for netball for us, which is great because we need that pathway.”

Ten of the MCDFNL’s 13 clubs have been represented in the selected squads, with Avoca best represented with eight players.

It’s a noticeable improvement from last season’s squad, which showcased only seven teams, with players from Harcourt, Maldon and Trentham joining the party in 2026.

The Bombers in particular have stamped their presence with four netballers earning selection.

“It’s good to see most of the clubs represent us this year. It’s probably the most we’ve had in the past couple of years,” Turner said.

“I’m actually really thrilled to see girls like Macey Holmes from Trentham and Chloe Cassidy from Navarre come across to Maryborough to train and get into the squad.

“Sometimes we don’t get those girls from Trentham or Navarre because they look at the travelling and think, is it worth it? So it’s great to see it be worth it this year.”

Led by 2025 MCDFNL 11 and under best and fairest runner-up Aaylah Egan, the 13 and under team, coached by Casey Ansell, will look to build upon their encouraging sixth-place finish last season.

After being difference-makers in 2025, Talbot’s Cobi Kaye and Avoca’s Harper Howell both return to give the team valuable experience.

The 15 and under squad will have a sense of familiarity thanks to the strong Avoca contingent of Shayla Blair, Phoebe Porter, India Wardlaw and Jayda Walkley.

Despite jumping age groups after representing the 13 and unders last year, Wardlaw, Natte’s Evie Ross and Dunolly’s Taylah Schodde have earned spots in the team, which will be coached by Natte Bealiba A grade shooter, Sian Mortlock.

Mortlock’s A grade teammate, Emma Ryan, remains the coach of a 17 and under team that consists of many emerging netballers applying their trade at the MCDFNL’s top level.

Charli Kaye and Louella Roche were called upon off the bench last weekend for the contending Talbot, while fellow attacker Bridget Allan has been a key contributor for the Maryborough Giants.

Holmes has played valuable minutes at wing defence for Trentham and Navarre’s Chloe Cassidy has made some strong cameos for the rising Grasshoppers.

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