Regional Netball Shines as Emerging Talent Program Wraps Up

The Netball NSW Emerging Talent Program has drawn to a close following five weeks of high-performance training and education, culminating in Sunday’s Emerging Tri Tournament at Netball Central. 

For the first time in the four-year history of the event, it was the Regional Emerging Team who claimed the title, breaking the Metro squad’s run of dominance with a series of hard-fought performances. 

The tournament once again brought together three squads—Metro, First Nations, and Regional—in a celebration of talent, opportunity, and progression within the Netball NSW pathway. Every match across the day was closely contested, with Metro edging out First Nations by just six goals, and Regional ultimately proving too strong in the final. 

Netball NSW General Manager of Performance & Pathways, Mardi Aplin, said this year’s result was a testament to the growth of the program. 

“To see the Regional athletes lift the trophy for the first time was incredibly special,” Aplin said. 

“They’ve worked so hard across the five weeks, balancing travel, training and their other sporting commitments. For them to come together and perform under pressure shows the depth of talent we have across the state.” 

The First Nations Emerging Team also continued to make their mark and included 2025 Warada Phoebe Hickson and Warada Training Partners Lashae Mundine and Abby Giltrow. With a squad blending Metro and Regional athletes, many taking their first steps into the pathway, the group pushed both opponents throughout the day. 

“Our First Nations squad continues to be a vital part of the program,” Aplin added. 

“These athletes bring something unique and important to our pathway, and it was fantastic to see them matching it with the Metro and Regional teams. They are future leaders of our sport.” 

The Emerging Talent Program is designed to mirror the standards of Netball NSW’s elite pathway. Over the five weeks, athletes participated in on-court skills and tactical sessions, alongside off-court education in areas such as nutrition, recovery, injury prevention, and high-performance behaviours. 

With access to physiotherapists and sports psychology experts, athletes not only developed their technical game but also learned how to manage their bodies, prepare mentally for competition, and build the habits required of a state team athlete. 

“The off-court education is just as valuable as the match play,” Aplin explained. 

“For our regional athletes in particular, recovery and self-management are essential when they’re travelling long distances. These are the foundations that will help them transition into state and national squads.” 

For many athletes, the next step will be the 17/U and 19/U NSW State Team trials in October and November, where Emerging Talent graduates will test themselves against the state’s best. 

But the program’s impact stretches further. In recent years, more First Nations and Regional athletes have been selected in underage state teams, a trend Netball NSW is determined to build on. 

Adding to the excitement, last Thursday Netball NSW facilitated an opportunity for the NSW Australian Identified 17U & 19U NSW athletes to compete in match play alongside the Australian World Youth Cup squad at Netball Central lead by Anita Keelan – Head Coach of Pathways – Netball Australia. 

The session brought together athletes aged 16 through to senior national representatives, including Diamonds invitees Amy Sligar and Erin O’Brien, for a high-intensity hit out ahead of national camps. 

“It was a really proud moment to see so many of our Nationally Identified NSW athletes—sharing the same court at different stages in their journey,” Aplin said. 

“It shows the strength of our pathway and reinforces to the younger athletes that their dreams are achievable. Watching them hold their own against some of the best young players in the country was inspiring.” 

Umpires Vanessa Giardina (Inner West), Malachi Young (Baulkham Hills) and Zoe Brison-Schroeder (Penrith) also took part in the tournament, gaining valuable experience and continuing their development within the Netball NSW pathway. 

2025 Netball NSW Metro Squad 

Head Coach: Jenny Barsby, Penrith District Netball Association 
Assistant Coach: Yvette Sheady, Hills District Netball Association 
Apprentice Coach: Jordan Bedingfield, Sutherland Shire Netball Association 
  
 
2025 Netball NSW Regional Squad 

Head Coach: Linda Macleod, Dubbo Netball Association 
Assistant Coach: Charli Wright, Armidale Netball Association 
Apprentice Coach: Alex McNeil, Illawarra Netball Association 
  
 
2025 Netball NSW First Nations Squad 

Head Coach: Renee Sini, Blacktown Netball Association 
Assistant Coach: Tori Trist, Hawkesbury City Netball Association