The all abilities netballer paving the way

By Stephanie Smarrelli 
 

For Emma Daffy the netball court is where she feels at home. 

The 22-year-old wants to inspire those around her to pursue their dreams no matter the obstacles they face, and for Daffy, there were many. 

Daffy was diagnosed with autism at two-years-old after her parents recognised the signs and took her for testing.  

The diagnosis changed the trajectory of her life but she hasn't let her disability prevent her from following her sporting passions. 

Speaking at the Victorian State Titles she reflected on her decision to pick up a netball six years ago, and the promising shooter has never looked back.  

“I’m a very competitive person so I love a good competition and I enjoy making new friends, my teammates have become part of my life,” she said. 

Driven by the goal of representing her state, Daffy continued to finesse her craft and has since become a regular feature in Victoria’s Marie Little Shield side. 

The chance to represent Victoria first came knocking while Daffy was finishing high school in 2019. 

“The opportunity to represent Victoria was a good opportunity for me, we finished with silver then in 2022 we got silver again and I was named the tournament’s most valuable player which was a huge surprise,” she said. 

“Then this year in Melbourne we won the title, it was a long time coming for all of us.” 

The 2023 Marie Little Shield win quickly becoming Daffy’s favourite netball memory. 

“I was over the moon, an emotional wreck as everyone on our team was in tears after coming second twice,” she said. 

Daffy’s biggest challenges have been adapting to the game style of others. The shooter plays regularly for Newcomb Football Netball Club’s all abilities competition as well as the Lara Football Netball Club in Geelong's Football Netball League.  

“Going from playing all abilities straight to mainstream it’s a whole different intensity, it was very difficult to manage but eventually I adapted to the game,” Daffy said. 

“My teammates have been really supportive of me playing both all abilities and mainstream netball.” 

Alongside supportive teammates Daffy credits her mother with being her biggest supporter enabling her to play. 

“My mother drives me to the netball stadium in Melbourne quite a bit, she’s been a huge support,” she said. 

Daffy’s dream is to become a personal trainer, the shooter currently studying while finding time to regularly hit the netball court. 

"Personal training and keeping up with my netball at the same time would be an absolute dream.” 

Daffy believes to help create a more inclusive environment in sport people need to promote the opportunities there are for all abilities athletes. 

“By helping to promote sport and get that word out there, I reckon we can make a huge difference,” she said. 

Daffy hopes other people with a disability will have the courage to chase their goals in sport. 

“One hundred per cent if you've got a disability and you want to try sports just go for it. You've seen people compete on TV in the Paralympics so do it, those people are just as inspirational as we are,” she said. 

“Have a go, have fun, if it’s something you want to do you should pursue it.”