The year began with an acknowledgment of the history of the Gold Industry Group West Australian Netball League, whose beginnings in 1989 ushered in a new era for netball in WA.
The League is now a marker for the best talent in the State, providing athletes, umpires and officials with a launching pad into professional careers. Congratulations to the Western Roar who claimed the 2024 premiership in all three divisions.
As the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball League commenced in April, the spotlight turned to the Perth Orioles, the inaugural West Australian team to complete in the National Netball League.
West Coast Fever owe their current accolades, including their 2022 maiden premiership and their fifth consecutive finals appearance in 2024, to the foundations set by the Perth Orioles.
WA demonstrated the strength of its pathway programs at the 2024 National Netball Championships. The State 17/U team took home a silver medal whilst the 19/U team claimed bronze, the only State to bring home two medals.
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.
The enduring legacy and achievements of netball were honoured at the Fuel to Go & Play Association Championships, with a walkthrough exhibition titled “History Lane”.
Popular for those seeking some quiet over one of the busiest weekends on the Netball WA calendar, attendees were able to take a walk-through time, reading and viewing the Century long history of netball within WA.
Such information was collated in Netball WA’s book “Netball’s Century in the West: 100 years of Passion and Success” which delves into the rich tapestry of WA netball history.
In October, WA was able to host their first Test Match since 2019, with the Third Match of the Constellation Cup being played at RAC Arena. The face off against the New Zealand Silver Ferns provided plenty of opportunity for Centenary celebration.
WA’s contribution to the Australian Origin Diamonds was celebrated, including past and present players and coaches. The pre-match VIP Function included guests from the 1971 Australian World Tournament winning team and Netball Australia Chair Liz Ellis AO who all looked back on the WA history fondly.
It has been with great pride that Netball WA has been able to celebrate their Centenary year in 2024. The foundations laid by the pioneers of the sport have paved the way for the incredible success achieved by the State to date.
The future of WA netball talent is incredibly bright, and they carry the history of Netball WA on their shoulders throughout all their future endeavours.
To read in more depth about celebrations throughout the year, visit the Netball WA Centenary page.
