The Shield is a competition for female players aged over 16 with an intellectual disability and has run since 2013. WA has been competing in the event since 2016.
10 players are returning after featuring in last year’s tournament, including 2022 Co-Captains Anne-Marie Rich and Imogen Peterson. Last year’s Naomi Perry Spirit Award winner Sarah Ahnstrom will also return to the stage.
The team will be led by an extended coaching team with last year’s coach Bev Gallager joined by Amy Drudi and Danvinya Ferguson with Odette Ritchie as Team Manager.
After a two-year absence due to COVID-19, the Marie Little Shield came back better than ever in Sydney last year.
WA got their campaign off to a strong start with three straight wins including a 22-goal victory against Queensland.
A narrow three-goal loss to South Australia in the third-place play-off meant WA ended their weekend in fourth position.
The whole squad will be hungry to improve upon their fourth-place finish and will have their sights firmly set on lifting the silverware.
To prepare, the team met for the first time to focus on team values, high-performance as well as a fitness session.
The Shield is named after Marie Little (OAM) who spent her career bettering opportunities in sport and netball for players with an intellectual disability. The event has been credited for increasing competitive opportunities for players who may otherwise not get the chance.
The full fixture for the competition to be held at the Waverley Netball Centre will be released in the coming weeks.
Marie Little Shield Team
Sarah Ahnstrom
Nicole Brien
Kristy Carter
Jade Franz
Tamikia Galgey
Imogen Peterson
Grace Pirie
Jone Potgieter
Emma Revell
Anne-Marie Rich
Kellee Thomas
Georgia Walter
Training Partners
Nosisa Mhlope
Rose Birsa
