Kadlecek's journey with the Pepes

By Elizabeth Winter  

Born in Papua New Guinea, Michaela Kadlecek moved to Australia at six years old and began playing netball age 10 in Cairns.  

Over the years, she has represented teams such as the Northern Mendi Rays, Sunshine Coast Thunder, and most recently Sharks Netball in the HART Premier League.  

Since 2022, she has become a key player for the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Pepes, gaining valuable experience from a diverse range of netball styles throughout her career.  

Kadlecek shares how her commitment to the sport, being involved in the netball scene in far North Queensland as well as representing PNG internationally, has allowed her to gain insight into a variety of playing styles. 

“All I ever really knew was Australian netball, being exposed to the Sapphire competition really helped developed my knowledge and skills,” Kadlecek said.  

“With Sharks Netball Club, I’ve been more of a mentor which has been very rewarding. I try to bring this to the PNG netball side as well, helping new players out on the court. All of that has made me get to the player I am today.”  

Kadlecek is a key part of the Pepes squad, having competed with the team at six previous international tournaments. Most recently, supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program, the PNG Pepes competed in a tri-series against Premier League Team Brisbane South Wildcats in November 2024.  

The tri-series was an opportunity for the Pepes to come together as a team, many of whom had never played together previously, and trial some new combinations ahead of the PacificAus Sports Netball Series.  

“We had a very, very new squad for that competition against the Wildcats. Some of the girls have never played at that level before, so it got everyone used to pace of the game and really helped us prepare,” Kadlecek said.  

With the PNG Pepes currently ranked 31st in the world, the PacificAus Sports Netball Series presents a challenge as they face the likes of Tonga and Scotland, but the team have been putting in the work to rise to the occasion.   

“We see each other as a unit. So, we'll be helping each other on the court and off the court. I’m just excited to see the girls come together and hopefully be a real threat to some other teams,” she added.  

With new athletes recruited, there will be some change of combinations that the Pepes are addressing leading up to the series.  

“I'm changing positions this year so I am usually a centre, wing attack, but I've moved into the goal circle, that positional shift will be challenging,” she said.  

“The combinations will be challenging, especially on both ends of the court shooting and defence. Training leading up to camp and the series, it’s going to be very important in making sure that we really nail those combinations.”  

While in PNG, both the Wildcats and Pepes had the opportunity to attend a Poreporena Lahara United Church service in Hanuabada Village and connect in with the local culture.  

For Kadlecek, who was born in Port Moresby but moved to Australia at a young age, the experience was deeply meaningful. 

“Being in that church was really beautiful,” she shared.  

“Culturally, it felt so nice and heartwarming. It was special to see the PNG-based girls embracing and including us Australian-based girls.” 

For many Australian-based athletes competing for their respective Pacific countries, the opportunity to put on their nation’s dress is one which they take on with pride and emotion.  

“It’s a sisterhood vibe when you see another Pacific team. I don't know how to explain it. It's very it's a very special feeling,” Kadlecek said.  

The PacificAus Sports Netball Series brings together teams from the Pacific and beyond. The diversity of skills and playing styles strengthens the competition and provides pathways for rising stars.  

“Back at the first ever series held in Sydney, we had girls who had never left their respective countries before, so this specific series gives everyone an opportunity to be seen and play high level netball against other countries,” Kadlecek said.  

“Now we're seeing the likes of Hulita Veve and Uneeq Palavi playing in SSN, so it gives skilled athletes a pathway to reach those goals.”  

Kadlecek also shares how this diversity of playing with teammates from various backgrounds has enhanced her game.  

“Playing with different people, especially the girls in PNG, I learned a lot from them. Their playing style is very unorthodox compared to that in Australia. So I guess I'm bringing different skills out of my toolbox and applying it in the game,” she said.  

Kadlecek reflects on the vital role of support in her netball career, acknowledging that without her family and dedicated coaches, she wouldn’t be where she is today. 

“My mum and dad are my biggest supporters, they’ve always been there for me and pushed me,” she said.  

Michaela Kadelecek also credits the influence of many coaches who have represented Papua New Guinea, noting the strong community and family backing that’s been a cornerstone of her growth. 

“I've been coached by many great coaches who have represented Papua New Guinea as well. I've really got a strong community and family backing there,” she added.  

Looking ahead, Kadlecek remains committed to competing in high level netball, with the Pacific Games in three years as a milestone. Off the court, she’s a teacher who aims to excel in her profession while contributing to the next generation of netballers.  

“I just hope to be the best teacher I can, and in terms of coaching, just helping out the youth on the netball court and sharing my knowledge of the game,” she said. 

“Don’t be afraid to have a go,” Kadlecek said, addressing young athletes. 

“Rock up to those trials, turn up because you just never know what's going to happen and who's looking.  

“I was very lucky I was picked up for Thunder after the PacificAus Sports Netball series in Gold Coast. Again, you just never know who's watching, and what's going to happen. 

“I grew up in far North Queensland, we weren't really exposed to the same opportunities as athletes in Brisbane and Sydney. I just never gave up and just kept pushing.”  

Kadlecek’s journey now competing in international netball, with the opportunity to represent PNG, is one example highlighting the significance of tournaments like the PacificAus Sports Netball Series, and how it shines a light on Pacific athletes in the context of international, high-performance sport.  

Keen to see any of the thrilling PacificAus Sports Netball Series action? Watch all the matches on NetballPass.com.  

The PacificAus Sports Netball Series is proudly supported by the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports Program.