Marie Little Shield 

The Marie Little OAM Shield is an annual tournament that provides women with an intellectual disability the chance to compete at a national level.

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.

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.  

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


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

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

Applications for the Western Swans Officials are open now and close on the 28th of April 2025. 

Positions descriptions: 

Assistant Coach 

Head Coach 

Team Manger

Application Form 

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