Netball Australia


Netball Australia is the peak governing body for the sport of netball in Australia. The organisation's stated objectives for Australian netball are to achieve national and international success in competition, encourage greater participation and spectator involvement, and ensure excellence in all spheres of the sport.
The precursor to Netball Australia was the All Australia Women's Basket Ball Association, founded in 1927 on the back of efforts to establish a national tournament. This body was formed by netball groups from New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, with Tasmania joining shortly after and the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory joining in 1975 and 1977 respectively.
In 1970, the organisation changed its name to the All Australia Netball Association, and in 1986 it became a public company upon incorporation. Its name was changed, finally, to Netball Australia in 1993.
Netball Australia is federal in structure, with affiliated associations in all Australian states and mainland territories. It is changed its constitution in 2006 and is governed by a board of directors elected by the State and Territory Affiliated Associations. Aside from promoting the sport of netball, Netball Australia is responsible for determining rules and policies within Australia, and organising competition on behalf of the country.
Marne Fechner was appointed chief executive officer of Netball Australia in April 2017. Robert Shaw is the current President, and Paolina Hunt the Chair of the Netball Australia Board after Anne-Marie Corboy was removed from the Board at a Special General Meeting called by the member organisation after a dispute about the new Super Netball competition.
The senior Australian netball team is known as the Diamonds, while the Australian Fast 5 netball team is known as the Fast5 Flyers.

About Netball Australia

Moves for the establishment of a central organising body and a National Tournament came almost simultaneously from Queensland and New South Wales.
A national body for netball in Australia was founded at a meeting on 26–27 August 1927 when the All Australia Women's Basket Ball Association was formed at a meeting held in conjunction with an Interstate Basket Ball carnival.
Foundation Members of the Association were:
Tasmania affiliated soon after, having competed in Carnivals since 1933 with Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory subsequently becoming full Members.
In 1970 the name of the game was changed to “Netball” and the word “Women’s” was deleted, changing the name to the All Australia Netball Association.
The AANA was incorporated as a public company limited by guarantee on 18 September 1986 and is governed by the Corporations Act 2001. “Netball Australia” was registered as a Business Name in 1993.
The Company operates under Memorandum & Articles that are resolved by the Council. This group consists of two Delegates representing each State or Territory, and it meets twice a year, once to focus on operational issues and once to act as a major forum to discuss issues of significance to the long-term development and direction of netball.
The board of directors currently consists of President, Finance Director, Ordinary Directors and the chief executive officer. The Board is elected by and accountable to the Council for the operation and good management of the Organisation., including long-term business and financial planning.
The chief executive officer carries out the role of Public Officer for the Company.

Australian Netball Milestones

1926
1927
1928
1931
1938
1956
1960
1963
1967
1970
1971
1975
1976
1978
1979
1980
1981
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2013
2017
The Australian Netball Hall of Fame was established in 2008.
Central to the sport's rich history, this illustrious group are some of the netball's most respected and celebrated champions. Induction into the Hall of Fame represents the highest level of recognition that an individual can achieve within netball. It celebrates the outstanding achievements of Australia's greatest netballers and members. The Hall of Fame fraternity is an illustrious group of the sport's most respected and celebrated champions. They are the best of the best, who through their achievements, have made a significant contribution to the game, and without exception are wonderful role models for young girls and women throughout the country. Hall of Fame membership is divided into two categories – Athlete Members and General Members.

Athlete members

Induction as an Athlete Member of the Hall of Fame is limited exclusively to the top echelon of Australian netballers who have achieved excellence at the highest level of the sport.
For a full list of Australian netball's Hall of Fame inductees .
Myrtle Baylis
Myrtle Baylis was a pioneer in women's sport, representing both Australia in what was known as women's basketball, which would later become known as netball in 1970, and cricket in the same year. A notable goal attack for Victoria between 1937–1954, Baylis made her international netball debut in August 1948 – just five months after making her Australian cricket debut. Both came against New Zealand. Selected in the Australian Netball Team between 1946–49; 1952–54, including as captain in 1953, Baylis played in the only three international Tests between 1939–1955. The now 92-year-old was a member of Australia's first ever Australian international netball tour in 1948 and contested the second ever international trans-Tasman Test match on debut in Dunedin. Baylis was named in Netball Victoria's ‘Team of the Century’ in 2000 followed by her induction in Netball's ‘Legends of the Game’ a year later.
Inducted: 2012
Margaret Caldow OAM BEM
The talented goal attack captained Australia for eight years in an international playing career spanning 17 years, from 1962–1979, including three World Championship triumphs. She mentored many future Australian players at the AIS, VIS and as national Assistant coach. She coached England at the 2007 World Championships. A member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Caldow was also awarded the British Empire Medal.
Inducted: 2008
Jean Cowan MBE
A trailblazer ahead of her time, Jean Cowan's passion for the game never waned during five decades of outstanding service as an administrator, umpire and player. She debuted for Victoria in 1932, played for Australia in the historic first-ever Test match in 1938 against New Zealand, was appointed Australian vice-captain and awarded the All Australia Umpires` badge. For more than 40 years, Cowan was an inspirational administrator and represented Victoria on the All Australian Netball Council. A member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Netball Victoria Hall of Fame, she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1976 for her service to netball.
Inducted: 2008
Michelle den Dekker OAM
Michelle den Dekker made her Australian debut in 1985, and went on to play 84 Test matches in the green and gold, captaining Australia from 1988–1995. She held a 92 per cent winning rate as captain, winning 65 of 71 games. She won two World Championships as captain and a led Australia to a Commonwealth gold medal in 1990. den Dekker was also awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1992 and awarded the SA Great Award, for services to sport in South Australia in 1993.
Inducted: 2009
Keeley Devery-Cox OAM
A talented defender, Keeley Devery-Cox represented the Australian netball team for nine years recording 63 Test caps. After suffering a knee reconstruction in 1987, she took the long hard road of rehabilitation to regain her position in the Australian team.
Inducted: 2010
Liz Ellis
Liz Ellis is a legend of Australian netball and regarded by many as one the greatest defenders to play the game. With three World titles, two Commonwealth Games gold medals, four national league titles and MVP awards with the Sydney TAB Swifts, Ellis retired from the sport having achieved every individual and team accomplishment possible. She made her debut for Australia in 1993 and played a record 122 test caps in an international career spanning 15 years. She became the national captain in 2004 and remains the most capped player in Australian netball history. Ellis retired from the sport at age 34, capping off a remarkable comeback from a knee reconstruction to Captain Australia to the World Championship in 2007.
Inducted: 2011
Julie Francou
With an international career spanning over a decade, South Australia's Julie Francou was regarded as one of the nation's finest centre court players. First selected in the national squad at 18, she competed in two successful World Championship campaigns in 1979 and 1983. Francou defied the odds throughout her career to overcome two knee reconstructions and played 32 test caps in the green and gold. She was named captain of the Australian team for the 1983 World Championship team and never lost a game as captain.
Inducted: 2011
Kathryn Harby-Williams
Former Australia team captain, Harby-Williams was a tenacious defender. First selected in the Australian team in 1992, she wore the green and gold for 11 years which included three World Championships and two Commonwealth Games.
Inducted: 2010
Shelley O’Donnell OAM
Playing 80 games for her country, Shelley O’Donnell epitomised the tough, attacking player and dominated the centre court through the 90s. Winning three World Championships and one Commonwealth Games gold medal, there was little in netball she didn't achieve.
Inducted: 2010
Pat McCarthy
First selected in the Australian netball team in 1952, she captained her country on its maiden tour of England in 1956. In the first ever Test played between the two countries at London, Australia won 14–11. Despite her diminutive stature, McCarthy's speed and ingenuity has her credited with introducing passing on the run in netball.
Inducted: 2014
Jill McIntosh
An agile centre court, Jill McIntosh represented Australia for eight years playing 29 Tests, including a gold medal at the 1983 World Championships in Singapore. Her illustrious career included playing and coaching accolades like the New Idea's Australian Netballer of the Year Award in 1981, the Australian Confederation of Sport Coach of the Year Award in 1998 and the Australian Coaching Council Female Coach of the Year Award in 1998 and 1999. McIntosh coached the national team for nine years, guiding her players to win the 1995 World Championships, the inaugural 1998 Commonwealth Games gold medal, the 1999 World Championships and the 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Inducted: 2009
Simone McKinnis OAM
One of the cleanest wing defences to ever wear the green and gold, Simone McKinnis recorded 63 Test caps for Australia between 1986 and 1998. Regarded as one of the world's best, she retired after the Australian team won the inaugural gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
Inducted: 2010
Annette Simper
A two-time World Champion, known for her versatility on court, Annette Simper is generally regarded as one of the finest defensive players ever produced in Western Australia. Comfortable in just about any position on court, it was her extraordinary defensive efforts that lead to her selection in WA State Open team in 1959 at the age of just 15, going on to represent the state until 1974. Simper won All-Australian selection in seven of those years, but international opportunities were few and far between at that time. When the World Netball Championships were introduced in 1963, she took the opportunity with both hands, representing Australia at the triumphant inaugural tournament, where Australia beat New Zealand in the final by a goal, 37–36. After withdrawing from the 1967 world championships due to the impending birth of her first child, Simper would again wear the green and gold at the victorious 1971 World Netball Championships, this time playing in the mid-court. Not just a skilful player, Simper was awarded an AA Umpires badge in 1969 and coached the Australian 21/U team in 1984.
Inducted: 2012
Gaye Teede
A talented defence, Gaye Teede represented Australia for 13 years. She wore the green and gold in three World Tournaments, in Perth, in Jamaica as captain and Trinidad and Tobago as vice-captain. She also represented Australia in the New Zealand Tour in 1966 and the England Tour in 1978. Teede mentored many up and coming netballers when she was the Institute of Sport coach from 1982–1989. During this time she coached the Australian 21/U team to win the inaugural World Youth Cup. In 1991 she coached the Australian Open team with success against New Zealand and England. She has also been inducted into the Hall of Champions in Western Australia.
Inducted: 2009
Carissa Tombs OAM
A superb all-round athlete, Carissa Tombs was a tireless centre court player. With three World Championships and one Commonwealth Games gold medal to her name, Tombs was at her peak in a sublime period for Australian netball.
Inducted: 2010
Anne Sargeant OAM
An agile and accurate shooter, Anne Sargeant proudly wore the green and gold for 11 years from 1978, the last six as captain. A three-time World Championship player, she steered the Australian Team to victory at the 1979 and 1983 Championships and captained NSW to four national Open championship titles. A member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Sargeant is also a member of the NSW Hall of Champions and has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to netball.
Inducted: 2008
Vicki Wilson OAM
Regarded as the world's best shooter of her time, Vicki Wilson represented Australia for 15 years from 1985, the last four as captain. A dead-eye shooter, she played in four World Championships, winning three and skippered Australia to victory at the sport's Commonwealth Games debut in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. A member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Wilson was also awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.
Inducted: 2008

General Members

Induction as a General Member to the Hall of Fame is awarded in recognition of excellence and outstanding achievement in a role supportive to netball participants.
Dr Grace Bryant OAM
Doctor Grace Bryant has devoted much of her career to ensuring that Australia triumphs in the international sporting arena. The Australian Netball Team doctor between 1991 and 1999, Dr Bryant oversaw the national team for many of the most significant moments in Australia's netball history, including the 1991 World Netball Championships victory over the New Zealand Silver Ferns in Sydney. As a doctor for the Australian Commonwealth Games team in 1998, 2002 and 2006, Dr Bryant allocated herself to the Australian netball team, who won gold medals in Kuala Lumpur and Manchester followed by silver in Melbourne under her capable hands. In 2008, Dr Bryant was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to various sports organisations and was appointed as a member of the International Federation of Netball Association Medical Panel.
Inducted: 2012
Christine Burton OAM
An Australian player and umpire, Chris Burton has travelled to two World Championships as a player and three as an umpire. Her work in officiating the game has transformed the way the sport is umpired.
Inducted: 2010
Dorothy McHugh OAM
Inducted for her contribution in administration and umpiring, Dorothy McHugh has been a figure in netball since the 1950s. General Secretary of IFNA from 1987–1991, she has made a lasting impression on the game around the globe.
Inducted: 2010
Margaret Pewtress OAM
Involved in umpiring, coaching and administration Margaret Pewtress has been a shining light in raising netball's profile. Under her leadership Netball Australia developed its first Strategic Plan and increased netball's profile in the Australian sports community.
Inducted: 2010
Maureen Boyle OAM
Paving the way for umpires behind her, Maureen Boyle was the first to receive an International Umpiring Badge. Her contribution to the development and education of umpires nationally and internationally has spanned more than 25 years.
Inducted: 2010
Wilma Sharespear AM
Representing Australia as a player and a coach, Wilma Shakespear has been a key figure in elite netball programs for 30 years. Recording seven Test caps, she went on to make her biggest contribution off the court in High Performance.
Inducted: 2010
Anne Clarke BEM
A true legend of the sport, Anne Clark's exceptional contribution to netball administration spanned over six decades. She was awarded her All Australia Umpires badge in 1931 and she umpired at most world tournaments from 1938– 1975. Her illustrious umpiring career also saw Clark selected as an umpire for the first A.A team against New Zealand in 1938 and as a senior official and umpire in the second World Tournament in Perth, 1967. She was AANA President in 1955, 1960, 1966, 1972 and 1978, received an AA Service Award in 1964 and in 1968 became a life member of Netball NSW. In recognition of her services to Netball, Clark was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1975. The headquarters of the NSW Netball Association has been named in her honour to recognise her outstanding contribution to netball.
Inducted: 2009
Gweneth Benzie AM
Gweneth Benzie's outstanding contribution to netball encompassed playing, umpiring and administration. After being awarded the All Australia Umpire's Badge in 1938, she retired as a player to concentrate on umpiring and administration. She was manager of the first World Tournament Australian team that won in England in 1963. As Honorary Secretary/Treasurer during World War II, Benzie was a member of the Allied forces Welfare Coordinating Committee and arranged competitive matches for the Women's Services. A decorated administrator, her contribution to the sport was recognised with awards at a state, national and international level. Benzie was awarded the IFNA Service Award in 1983, the AANA Service Award in 1965 and she became a South Australia Netball Association Life Member in 1945. In 1978 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to netball.
Inducted: 2009
Lorna McConchie
A talented player and passionate administrator of netball, Lorna McConchie left a lasting legacy with the sport. A former Australian and Victorian player in the 1930s, she made a significant impact on and off the court over three decades. She was vice-captain of the Australian team in 1939 which was set to tour New Zealand, until it was cancelled due to the outbreak of World War II. In 1956 McConchie took on the role of Australian coach and manager of the first women's touring netball team to visit England and then in 1963, she coached the undefeated Australian team at the first netball World Tournament, also in England. In 1959, she was the Australian delegate at the Inaugural Conference of Netball's International Federation. McConchie was awarded an AANA Service Award in 1966, an IFNA Service Award in 1991 and inducted into Netball Victoria ‘Hall of Fame’ in 1998.
Inducted: 2009
Deirdre Hyland AM
Deirdre Hyland's outstanding commitment to serve netball encompassed stints as President of IFNA, the All Australia Netball Association and Queensland Netball Association. An Australian Team manager on three overseas tours, she was an official delegate at two World Championships and chaired the organising committee of the 1991 World Netball Championships in Sydney. A member of the Australian Sport Hall of Fame, Hyland was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to netball.
Inducted: 2008
Eunice Gill MBE
A pioneer sport administrator in Australian sport, Eunice Gill left a lasting legacy. A former Victorian and Australian player in the 1940s, she made a significant impact off the court over four decades. Gill was captain of the All Australia carnival team in 1946–47 and represented Australia on the successful 1948 tour of New Zealand – Australia's only international tour from 1939–1955. Later national and Victorian coach, she was also President and national honorary secretary and treasurer of the All Australia Netball Association, Vice-President of IFNA and Australia's delegate at three World Championships. A foundation Board member of the Confederation of Australian Sport and member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Gill was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to sport, recreation and physical education.
Inducted: 2008
Joyce Brown OAM
A doyen in Australian coaching, Joyce Brown steered Australia to three World Championship titles and Melbourne Phoenix to dual national league titles. Captain of Australia's 1963 World Championship winning team, her leadership and mentoring skills inspired a generation of young Australian and Victorian players. Her visionary outlook set new benchmarks for a National Coaching Accreditation Scheme and introduced the first modified form of the game for kids. A member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Brown was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to sport.
Inducted: 2008

Australian Netball Awards

The Australian Netball Awards is netball's ‘night of nights’, held every year at the conclusion of domestic and international calendars – a time when the netball community comes together to celebrate the achievements of players, coaches, officials and media. A full list of award recipients over the years can be viewed here.

ANZ Championship/Super Netball era (post-2008)

Liz Ellis Diamond

The Liz Ellis Diamond award recognises the player judged the best throughout the domestic and international year. It is the highest individual accolade in Australian netball. The winners are listed below.
YearPlayer
2019 Gretel Tippett
2018 Liz Watson
2017 Gabi Simpson
2015 Caitlin Bassett
2014 Madison Robinson
2013 Renae Hallinan
2012 Madison Robinson
2011 Laura Geitz
2010 Natalie von Bertouch
2009 Julie Corletto
2008 Mo'onia Gerrard

Australian International Player of the Year

Awarded to the best player from the Australian Diamonds in the past year.
YearPlayer
2019 Gretel Tippett
2018 Liz Watson
2017 Sharni Layton
2015 Caitlin Bassett
2014 Madison Robinson
2013 Renae Hallinan
2012 Madison Robinson
2011 Kimberlee Green
2010 Mo'onia Gerrard
2009 Renae Hallinan
2008 Mo'onia Gerrard

Australian Netball League Player of the Year

Awarded to the best player in the second-tier Australian Netball League competition.
YearPlayer
2018Not Awarded
2017 Sophie Garbin
2015 Kate Shimmin
2014 Ashleigh Brazill
Kristina Brice
2013 Mwai Kumwenda
2012 Kristy Guthrie
2011 Karyn Bailey
2010 Amorette Wild
2009 Kathleen Knott
2008 Narelle Eather

Other awards

ANZ Championship Player of the Year
YearPlayerTeam
2016 Sharni Layton
2015 Sharni Layton
2014 Laura Geitz
2013 Erin Bell
2012 Madison Browne
2011 Laura Geitz
2010 Natalie von Bertouch
2009 Natalie von Bertouch
2008 Catherine Cox

AIS Australian ANZ Championship Coach of the Year
YearCoachTeam
2016 Roselee Jencke
2015 Roselee Jencke
2014 Simone McKinnis
2013 Jane Woodlands-Thompson
2012 Julie Hoornweg
2011 Roselee Jencke
2010 Jane Woodlands-Thompson
2009 Julie Hoornweg
2008 Julie Fitzgerald

Australian 21/U Team Player of the Year
YearPlayer
2014–2015Not Awarded
2013 Paige Hadley
2012 Madeleine Proud
2011 April Letton
2010Not Awarded
2009 Andrea Gilmore
2008 Madison Browne

New Idea's Australia's Favourite Diamond
YearPlayer
2014–2015Not Awarded
2013 Laura Geitz
2012 Catherine Cox
2011 Catherine Cox
2010 Sharelle McMahon
2008–2009Not Awarded

ANZ Championship Umpire of the Year
YearUmpire
2016 Michelle Phippard
2015 Sharon Kelly
2014 Sharon Kelly
2013 Sharon Kelly
2012 Sharon Kelly
2011 Sharon Kelly
2010 Sharon Kelly
2009 Sharon Kelly
2008 Sharon Kelly

Lorna McConchie Umpire Award
YearUmpire
2015Not Awarded
2014 Michelle Phippard
2008–2013Not Awarded

All Australia Umpire Awards
YearUmpire
2012–2015Not Awarded
2011 Diana Toppi
Tara Warner
2010 Jemma Carlton
Qalo Sukabula
2008–2009Not Awarded

Spirit of Netball Award
YearRecipient
2015Not Awarded
2014 Sharon Kelly
2012–2013Not Awarded
2011 Norma Plummer
2008–2010Not Awarded

Netball Australia Service Awards
YearRecipient
2015 Pam Smith
2012–2014Not Awarded
2011 Linda Pearce
Amanda Lulham
2010 Margaret Molina
Helen Robinson
2008–2009Not Awarded

Tanya Denver Media Award
YearRecipient
2014–2015Not Awarded
2013Damian StannardThe Courier Mail
2012ABC Grandstand
2011Warren PartlandAdelaide Advertiser
2010Kelli UnderwoodChannel 10
2009Rebecca WilliamsHerald Sun
2008Adrian WarrenAAP

ANZ Championship Winners
YearTeam
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008

Pre-ANZ Championship (pre-2008)

Commonwealth Bank Trophy Player Awards
YearMost Valued PlayerBest New Netball TalentPlayers’ Player Award
2007 Sharelle McMahon Ashlee Howard Leah Shoard
2006 Liz Ellis Madison Browne Caitlin Bassett
Caitlin Thwaites
2005 Sharelle McMahon Clare McMeniman Natasha Chokljat
2004 Cynna Neele Julie Corletto Janine Ilitch
Raegan Jackson
2003 Sharelle McMahon Carla Dziwoki Cynna Neele
Natalie Sloane
Mo'onia Gerrard
2002 Liz Ellis Mandy Edwards Liz Ellis
2001 Jacqui Delaney Jacqui Delaney Catherine Cox
Jacqui Delaney
2000 Sharelle McMahon Cynna NeeleNot Awarded
1999 Jacqui Delaney Mo'onia GerrardNot Awarded
1998 Liz Ellis Natalie SloaneNot Awarded

Margaret Pewtress Team of the Year
Position200720062005200420032002
GS Catherine Cox Catherine Cox Catherine Cox Catherine Cox Catherine Cox Eloise Southby
GA Sharelle McMahon Sharelle McMahon Sharelle McMahon Sharelle McMahon Sharelle McMahon Sharelle McMahon
WA Laura von Bertouch Laura von Bertouch Laura von Bertouch Laura von Bertouch Susan Meaney Laura von Bertouch
C Natalie von Bertouch Natalie von Bertouch Natalie von Bertouch Sarah Barrett Rebecca Sanders Rebecca Sanders
WD Peta Scholz Natasha Chokljat Natasha Chokljat Peta Scholz Peta Scholz Peta Squire
GD Julie Corletto Mo'onia Gerrard Johannah Curran Alison Broadbent Liz Boniello Kathryn Harby-Williams
GK Liz Ellis Liz Ellis Bianca Chatfield Liz Ellis Bianca Chatfield Liz Ellis

Australian Team Player of the Year
YearPlayer
2007 Natalie von Bertouch
2006 Jessica Shynn
2005 Catherine Cox
2004 Catherine Cox
2003 Sharelle McMahon
2002 Sharelle McMahon
2001 Kathryn Harby-Williams

Umpire of the Year Award
YearUmpire
2007 Sharon Kelly
2006 Sharon Kelly
2005 Sharon Kelly
Nikki Boyd
2004 Stacey Campton
2003 Sharon Kelly
2002 'Sharon Kelly
2001 Sharon Kelly
2000Not Awarded
1999 'Maureen Boyle
1998 'Maureen Boyle