By Sophie Taylor
The 2023 Australian Netball Championships (ANCs) are almost upon us, meaning it’s about time to introduce some of the exciting talent coming through the state, territory and club affiliate pathway programs.
We put the 11 competing teams under the microscope.
Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures: Molly Watson
Developing defender Molly Watson has made an impressive return from an anterior cruciate ligament tear at last year’s ANCs competition to make a second appearance this year. With natural talent and great elevation, Watson showcases her dash and dare in the back-end, and has showed no signs of slowing down despite the bump in the road.
Capital Darters: Olivia Clark
Another ANCs returnee, Olivia Clark will look to start where she left of last year after a strong outing in almost all of the Darters’ 2022 matches. A smooth-moving goaler who can rotate between goal shooter and goal attack, Clark has the ability to take on the game and shoulder the shooting load when required.
Collingwood Magpies: Montana Holmes
Fresh off a premiership win and Grand Final MVP award in the Victorian Netball League (VNL), Montana Holmes is a livewire and one who will look to showcase her winning attitude at the ANCs. Primarily playing in centre, Holmes offers plenty of endurance and speed through the midcourt while also balancing the defensive and attacking ends nicely.
Firebirds Futures: Rylee Burns
Goal attack Rylee Burns will look to really assert herself at this year’s championships, with her second stint at this level a great opportunity to showcase her skillset. A speedy goaler with great playmaking skills, Burns will look to one-up her time on court compared to last year’s edition and is more than capable of taking out the starting goal attack bib.
With a couple SSN matches under her belt, midcourter Ava Black will be full of confidence at this year's ANCs.Giants Netball Futures: Erin O’Brien
Developing defender Erin O’Brien is an exciting up-and-coming talent, having spent her second season within the Giants Netball training program in 2023. A tall and composed goal keeper, O’Brien offers great support and height in the circle. At 189cm, O’Brien’s height allows her to not only provide excellent hands over pressure, but also mount outstanding pressure and force attackers to get on the move.
QBE Swifts Academy: Lili Gorman-Brown
NSW Swifts training partner Lili Gorman-Brown will participate in her second ANC this year after a stellar year within the NSW pathway and in the Swifts squad to close out the season. A speedy wing attack, known for her composure and feeding ability, Gorman-Brown was a key cog through the midcourt at last year’s edition and will look to continue her excellent form this time around.
Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts: Ava Black
The Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts have plenty of familiar names amongst their playing group, with 2023 Super Netball debutant Ava Black a standout amongst the group. Black boasts great versatility with an ability to rotate through centre, wing defence and wing attack, as well as plenty of game smarts to adjust quickly in the moment. A taller midcourter at 184cm, Black also offers great hands over pressure.
Tasmanian Wild: Ash Probert-Hill
Midcourter Ash Probert-Hill has been a key cog within the Netball Tasmania pathway for many years now, continuously showcasing her footwork and athleticism on the Apple Isle. Playing across wing attack and centre, Probert-Hill has great netball nous and an ability to read the play, allowing her to impact both offensively and defensively.
Territory Storm: Kiera Heffernan
Queensland-based NT talent Kiera Heffernan has turned heads throughout her time in the pathway, making it to the U19 Australian squad after a stellar start to the year at the National Netball Championships. A classy mover and fierce competitor, Heffernan’s speed in transition makes her a key option through the midcourt for the Storm, able to ply her trade across multiple positions.
Victorian Fury goaler Emily Andrew will look for more court time at the 2023 edition of the ANCs.Victorian Fury: Emily Andrew
Melbourne Vixens training partner Emily Andrew will be a force to be reckoned with this year, after limited minutes at the pointy end of the Fury’s 2022 campaign. Andrew is more than willing to go to post from range, with her height and high release proving difficult to defend. A classy mover with great timing and strength, Andrew will look to provide a consistent target for her Fury feeders.
West Coast Fever Reserves: Sloan Burton
Another player returning to the ANCs pathway this year is goaler Sloan Burton, who has no shortage of smooth moves and clean hands under pressure. A mobile goaler with the ability to play across both goal attack and goal shooter, Burton offers composure and athleticism through the attack. Burton also boasts a premiership medal in the 2023 Western Australian Netball League (WANL), also earning MVP honours in that match.
