The Northern Territory Dragonflies have wrapped up their 2026 Marie Little Shield campaign after three memorable days of netball, friendship and growth in Victoria.
Held at Narrandjeri Stadium from 4–6 September, the Marie Little Shield brings together female netballers with an intellectual disability from across Australia, providing athletes with the opportunity to represent their state or territory on the national stage.
The Dragonflies campaign started against Queensland, with the team taking some time to settle into their first match together before beginning to find their rhythm.
As the competition continued against Tasmania, so did the team's development. Athletes showed their versatility and willingness to step into unfamiliar positions, while strong defensive pressure became a feature of the Dragonflies' game.
By the time they met the ACT Bluebells, that progress was clear.
In one of the closest contests of the tournament, the Dragonflies remained composed throughout a match that went right down to the final seconds, with ACT scoring a late equaliser to finish the game in a draw.
What was pleasing for the coaching team was seeing conversations and lessons from off the court translate directly into the way the athletes played. Following plenty of team discussion the night before, the Dragonflies adjusted their play and put that learning into action when they stepped back onto court.
Their confidence continued to build against Victoria, with the athletes lifting their intensity and attacking every opportunity. Supported by an enthusiastic crowd, the Dragonflies produced a performance full of energy and determination.
The final day brought another test of the team's resilience, with the Dragonflies facing Tasmania again in the semi-final. Athletes were challenged across different positions and continued to compete as the physical demands of three days of netball began to take their toll.
With one match remaining, they turned their attention to a familiar opponent in the ACT Bluebells.
And in their final appearance of the 2026 Marie Little Shield, everything came together.
The Dragonflies put three days of hard work and learning into action to finish their campaign with a victory, securing seventh place overall with one win and one draw.
While there was plenty to celebrate on court, some of the most memorable moments of the Marie Little Shield happened away from the competition.
For returning Dragonflies, the tournament provided an opportunity to reunite with friends from previous years, while new friendships were formed with athletes from across the country.
Those connections could be seen throughout the three days. The Dragonflies warmed up alongside Victoria, danced with the ACT Bluebells and shared plenty of fun with the athletes they were competing against.
It was a wonderful reflection of the camaraderie, friendship and inclusion that sits at the heart of the Marie Little Shield, where athletes can compete hard on court and celebrate one another off it.
Making her own special contribution to the Dragonflies' campaign was Mini Team Assistant Jade Obajdin.
Jade excelled in the role, bringing plenty of enthusiasm and support to the team from the sidelines while also making an impression across the wider competition. Her contribution earned her a vote for the Marie Little Shield Spirit of the Carnival Award and a special acknowledgement during the tournament.
The Dragonflies leave Victoria with new experiences, stronger friendships and plenty of memories, as well as the confidence that comes from three days of challenging themselves, learning together and representing the Northern Territory in a game they love; netball.
Netball NT extends a very special thank you to the Confident Girls Foundation and Somerville Community Services for their generous support of the NT Dragonflies and their 2026 Marie Little Shield campaign.
Their support helped provide our athletes with the opportunity to represent the Northern Territory on the national stage, create new memories and friendships, and experience everything that makes the Marie Little Shield so special.
Netball NT congratulates every athlete and official who represented the Northern Territory and thanks the families, friends and supporters who cheered on the Dragonflies throughout their 2026 campaign.
2026 NT Dragonflies Marie Little Shield Team
ATHLETES
// Azaria Bretherton (Co-Captain)
// Carina Jong
// Emily Ellison
// Emily Harding
// Erica Koch
// Gabby Hambour
// Jazmyn Ponting
// Jocelyn Ryder (Co-Captain)|
// Shianne Hunt-Bond
// Vicki Moro
MINI TEAM ASSISTANT
// Jade Obajdin
OFFICIALS
// Donna Stewart (Head Coach)
// Gayle Nairn (Assistant Coach)
// Christine Van Den Berg Hammer (Team Manager)
