Netball NSW has announced the leadership teams for its 2026 17U and 19U State Teams ahead of the upcoming National Netball Championships in Melbourne next month.
Sutherland Shire’s Evalina Carneiro has been appointed captain of the 17U State Team, with Isabella Christian (Illawarra District) and Marley Dighton (Ku-ring-gai) named as vice captains.
Carneiro enters the tournament following a standout year that has seen her recognised as one of the state’s most promising young defenders. A composed and instinctive player, the Sutherland Shire product recently signed as a training partner GIANTS Netball for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season after an impressive year representing New South Wales at the 17U level.
Campbelltown District’s Ellie Hart (GIANTS Academy) will lead the 19U State Team as captain, supported by vice captains Matilda Fanning (Sutherland Shire/GIANTS Academy) and Paige O’Neill (Eastwood Ryde/QBE Swifts Academy).
A member of the GIANTS Netball Academy, Hart has continued to develop through the high-performance pathway and was part of the squad that travelled to the Riverina earlier this year as part of the GIANTS Netball Riverina Road Trip. The experience provided Hart with valuable exposure to elite environments and further strengthened her leadership credentials ahead of the national tournament.
Netball NSW General Manager – Performance Pathways Mardi Aplin said the leadership appointments recognise the athletes’ strong performances, work ethic and ability to inspire their teammates both on and off the court.
These athletes demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities throughout the selection process, during our recent simulation camp and across the team’s entire preparation for the National Netball Championships,” Aplin said.
They have consistently set the standard with their work ethic, professionalism and ability to bring their teammates together, which are all critical qualities for leaders at this level.
They represent the depth of emerging talent in New South Wales and we’re excited to see them lead their teams on the national stage in Melbourne.”
The week-long tournament will run from 9–15 April, with the nation’s brightest emerging talent descending on Melbourne to compete for the title of national champions. New South Wales will enter the tournament with strong recent form, with the 19U team returning as defending champions after claiming the title last year, while the 17U side finished as runners-up in a closely contested final.
Since its inception in 1985, the National Netball Championships has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport, serving as a proven launching pad for many of Australia’s biggest stars.
The event provides invaluable development opportunities for athletes, coaches, umpires and officials, with many participants progressing to Suncorp Super Netball and Australian Diamonds level.