Western Swans State Team 

The Western Swans represent Western Australia at the Marie Little OAM Shield, a national championship featuring the country’s top athletes with an intellectual disability.

The Western Swans program forms an important part of Netball WA’s representative pathway, offering athletes the chance to develop their skills, teamwork, and confidence while proudly representing their State.
Athletes selected for the Western Swans demonstrate strong netball ability, commitment, and a positive attitude towards growth and team success. 

The team trains one to two times per week across a 10-12 week preparation phase, focusing on performance, connection, and readiness to compete on the national stage.
Find out more 

The Marie Little OAM Shield is a national competition for girls aged 16 and over with an intellectual disability. The inaugural Marie Little OAM Shield began in 2013 with three teams contesting the title. In 2016, Western Australia and Queensland were invited to enter teams in to the competition.

Marie Little OAM was the founder of Sport Inclusion Australia (formerly known as AUSRAPID) in 1986 and dedicated her working life to improve the lives of people with an intellectual disability, using the medium of sport. Renaming the event in her name was an honour of her work within the netball community.

In 2023 the Western Australia’s Marie Little Shield Team competed under a brand new name, the Western Swans.


2025 | 5-7 September | Nissan Arena, Queensland | Position: 4th | Naomi Perry spirit award winner: Mikayla Carter

2024 | 6-8 September | Nissan Arena, Queensland | Position: 4th

2023 | 15-17 September | Waverley, Melbourne, VIC | Position: 4th

2022 | 26-28 October | Olympic Park, Sydney, NSW | Position: 4th | Naomi Perry spirit award winner: Sarah Ahnstrom

Applications for the 2026 Western Swans Officials are now open.

The roles available are:

- Head Coach

- Assistant Coach

- Apprentice Coach

- Team Manager

- Umpire If you have any questions please contact inclusion@netballwa.com.au

Download 

The Marie Little OAM Shield (MLS) is a female only competition unless otherwise specified by Netball Australia.

Athlete eligibility for the MLS are as follows:

1) All players must be aged 16 years or older in the year the competition is held; and

2) Players must complete and submit the Sport Inclusion Australia MLS eligibility form. Upon approval forward a copy.
DOWNLOAD ELIGIBILITY FORM HERE 

The Selection Policy outlines the process undertaken for Player and Officials selections into Marie Little Shield OAM State Team, and this is managed by the Community Department.
Netball WA Selection Policy 

Should you wish to obtain more information on the Western Swan team and program.
Email Netball WA