Teams and representatives came from every state and territory to compete amongst the best young netball players in the country in Australia’s largest pathway event.
The event has produced some of the biggest names in Australian netball, including past and present Origin Australian Diamonds.
In 2024, the 17/U and 19/U West Australian representative teams played a fantastic campaign. Placing Silver and Bronze respectively, WA was the only state to come away with two medals, a huge achievement for the athletes, coaches, and support staff.
The competition is no stranger to WA talent, specifically during the “Invincible Era” when the WA State Open National Championship team won five times in six years.
From 1969 to 1974 WA dominated the National Championships. The squad won in the years 1969, 70, 71,72 and 74.
Twice before this WA had shared the title, but 1969 ushered in a golden age of netball for the State, during a time when the sport was still known as “Women’s Basket Ball”.
In the four-year period of consecutive wins, the squad's greatness could not be overlooked with convincing winning margins across the board, even against their main competition, Victoria and South Australia.
The squad also dominated the National team, with five WA players selected as Australian representatives, who went on to win the 1970/71 World Championships in Jamacia.
The Invincible Era athletes were recognised for their brilliance in 2018, becoming the first female group of athletes to be inducted into the WA Hall of Champions.
WA’s netball success on a national level continues all these years on. It is without a doubt that the success of the Invincible Era ushered in a new perspective on “Women’s Basket Ball” whose effects are still being felt today.
View the Centenary Webpage.
