Competing at a national level is never easy, but for our NT athletes, this tournament was always about growth. Match by match, we saw a group of players committed to improving — learning, adapting and building confidence with every opportunity they stepped onto the court.
Facing some of the strongest teams from across the country, our athletes embraced the challenge. Even when the odds felt stacked against them, they continued to compete with determination, resilience and pride. Their willingness to stay in the contest, play hard and trust the process speaks volumes about their character and their future.
Opportunities like this are invaluable. Playing against other states and territories provides a genuine benchmark — a chance to test skills, understand the pace and physicality of the game at this level, and take away lessons that simply can’t be replicated at home. Across the week, there were clear signs of growth: stronger connections, smarter decision-making, and a deeper understanding of the game.
The 19s showed persistence throughout the tournament, culminating in a well-earned win in their final match — a result that reflected the effort they had been building across the rounds, where they had already shown they could match it in key moments. The 17s demonstrated steady progression, rising to each challenge and continuing to build their game across the week. Their tenacity, determination and willingness to give it their all were evident in every match.
Both teams faced their share of setbacks, with injury and illness testing depth and adaptability. In each case, players stepped up, adjusted and pushed through — another important part of competing at this level.
Off the court, the support network around the teams played a significant role. A strong group of parents, along with extended family and friends, created a positive and vocal presence throughout the tournament. Their encouragement lifted the players and reinforced the sense of pride in representing the NT.
Our coaches, assistant coaches, managers and physios should also be acknowledged for the professionalism, care and understanding they brought to the environment. They supported not just performance, but the overall experience of what it means to represent the Northern Territory.
Thank you also to the businesses and supporters who backed our athletes on this journey. In the current economic climate, this support is especially meaningful — not only easing the financial burden of national competition, but reinforcing to our athletes that their community stands behind them.
Across the tournament, there were tough matches, small wins, personal bests and plenty of takeaways — from new skills and game awareness to a sharper understanding of how netball is played at this level.
Having watched these teams across the week, there is a genuine sense of pride in every athlete who wore the NT dress. This experience will stay with them — and it’s clear they are already building toward what comes next on their netball journey. Here’s hoping we see these players continue to grow and represent the Territory into the future.
2026 Netball NT 19&U Team
Head Coach: Eddie Shearer
Assistant Coach: Chloe Southam
Mentor Coach: Karen Worland
Team Manager: Wes Armstrong
Physio: Michael Brierley
Mackenzie Lynch (Captain)
Amalani Fauonuku (Co-Vice Captain)
Ruby Mack (Co-Vice Captain)
Ada Whiteside (Inj.)
Alexandra (Allie) Davidson
Charlize Bellette (Injury Replacement)
Eva Ryan
Molly Murphy
Olivia Chambers
Paulini Bolatagici
Sonnyanne Raggett
Taylah Easton
Tegan McGrath
2026 Netball NT 17&U Team
Head Coach: Chelsea Coleman
Assistant Coach: Taylah Locke
Team Manager: Terri van Haaren
Physio: Tina Liu
Hanna Eastick (Captain)
Hayley Robertson (Co-Vice Captain)
Layla Totham (Co-Vice Captain)
Anika McGarvie
Kaylee Alchin
Kaylee King
Keeley Hansen
Lily Richards
Marlee Smallridge
Mikayla Tourney
Nyamal Pouk
Shae Driver
Player Sponsors
The support of local businesses, organisations and community groups played an important role in helping our athletes take the national stage. We thank and acknowledge the following sponsors:
Gold
Ruby Mack — First Nations Academy of Excellence
Sonnyanne Raggett — First Nations Academy of Excellence
Keeley Hansen — Red Rock Plumbing Pty Ltd
Shae Driver — Carbine Club NT
Silver
Ada Whiteside — Guzman Y Gomez – Stuart Park
Mackenzie Lynch — Isas – Integrated Switchgear & Systems Pty Ltd
Mikayla Tourney — Wombarra Civil Construction Pty Ltd
Bronze
Taylah Easton — Arafura Pest Control
Hayley Robertson — AJ Technology Services
Kaylee Alchin — Amets Tenements & Geoservices
Supporter
Paulini Bolatagici — Wests Netball Club
Anika McGarvie — Dr Rahman – Electorate Fong Lim; Phoenix Flames Netball Club
Kaylee Alchin — Cougars Netball Club
Layla Totham — Phoenix Flames Netball Club
Lily Richards — Phoenix Flames Netball Club
Marlee Smallridge — Phoenix Flames Netball Club
