Mel Rainey will return as Head Coach of the 17/U State Team for a second year after guiding the squad to fourth place at the 2026 National Netball Championships and helping develop some of the State’s brightest emerging talent.
Rainey has progressed through the Netball WA coaching pathway and is currently Head Coach of the Fremantle Sharks in the Gold Industry Group WA Netball League. She has also held assistant coaching roles within the State Team environment.
Rainey said she was thrilled to be reappointed and looked forward to building on the foundations established this year.
“We’re fortunate to retain a strong core of athletes from last year’s squad, while the emerging talent identified through the FIT program brings fresh energy and healthy competition to the selection process,” she said.
Rainey will be joined by Assistant Coach Riley Culnane, who steps into the role for the first time. Culnane is a former West Australian State Team representative and has previously worked in the pathway as a 19/U Apprentice Coach.
The Advanced Accredited coach is involved across both metropolitan and South West pathways.
Rainey said she was equally excited to welcome Culnane to the coaching group.
“Riley brings valuable experience through their involvement in GIG WANL, along with a nurturing, athlete-centred coaching approach. I’m looking forward to the different perspectives and strengths Riley will bring to our environment as we continue to challenge, support and develop our emerging athletes,” she said.
Former West Coast Fever athlete and First Nations State Team coach Josie Janz-Dawson also returns to the program as 19/U Head Coach.
Janz-Dawson is coming off a WA-best second-place finish at the First Nations Nationals and led the Southside Demons to a GIG WANL minor premiership this season.
She brings a wealth of experience as a player and coach and will play an important role in developing the next generation of West Australian talent.
Janz-Dawson said it was a privilege to coach a State Team and represent WA.
“WA has a distinctive style of play, and in 2027 we’re looking to continue building on our high work rate while embracing the individual strengths of each athlete to develop a connected team that plays with confidence, consistency and intent,” she said.
Another West Australian pathway product has also been given an opportunity, with Mark McCoach appointed as Assistant Coach.
McCoach began his coaching journey at Joondalup Netball Association and is currently an Assistant Coach with the Rangers in GIG WANL. He also holds Advanced Coach Accreditation and has demonstrated a strong commitment to his development.
“The appointment of Mark McCoach as Assistant Coach is something I’m really excited about. We’re both loud, high-energy coaches who bring plenty of passion to the court, but I think we also offer a great balance across attack and defence that will suit this playing group and help us get the best out of each athlete,” Janz-Dawson said.
Netball WA congratulates all four coaches and looks forward to seeing the 2027 State Team campaign come to life.
