The best emerging talent from across the country, alongside their coaches, support staff and officials will come together for a week long tournament in Melbourne from 9 to 15 April to test their skills.
NNC has provided opportunities and moulded athletes since its inception in 1985, with numerous Origin Australian Diamonds and Suncorp Super Netball athletes getting their start in the competition.
In 2025, both the 17/U and 19/U West Australian sides took home fourth and are now itching to once again come home with a medal.
17/U
Led by Captain Amelie Markovic, the 17/U side is full of young talent with a level of professionalism ahead of their years.
“I am super grateful to be captain; it’s such an incredible honour and I’m just super excited for this opportunity to help lead the team at the upcoming nationals,” she said.
Markovic was identified as part of Netball Australia’s National Pathway Squad in 2025 and will be a strong leader from the mid-court after her experience as emerging leader in 2025.
A core group of the squad are returning from last year and bring valuable experience. They will be looking to hold on during those tight games after going down in the second half of their bronze medal fight last year.
Markovic said the squad this year is looking strong with depth and a mix of youth and new players.
“Our goals are just to play hard, play well and play to our full potential,” she said.
“Mentality has been something that we have all been working on in our physiology sessions, so getting around one another and supporting the team especially in the hard times, is something that we are all striving to do.”
Head Coach: Mel Rainey
Assistant Coach: Elle Sanzone
Apprentice Coach: Keenan Halden
Team Manager: Ingrid Eastaugh
Physio: Dave Moala
Analyst: Josh Westphal
S&C Chelsey Heath
Squad: Bianca Brennan, Tara Diersen, Aila Flood-Kiddie, Sienna Gortat, Amelie Markovic (Captain), Sapphire McLeod (Vice Captain), Skyla Payne, Imogen Richardson , Mieke Strydom, Zoe Trezise, Loyola Vaauli, Maisie Wilders.
Training Partners: Eseose Itotoh, Abbie Martin, Ryleigh Richardson and Lilly Sawers.
19/U
The 19/U side is headlined by emerging Gold Industry Group WA Netball League talent, many of whom now bring consecutive years' experience in the NNC environment.
Teagan Begovic will take the reigns as Captain this year after her experience as Vice-Captain in 2025.
Teagan said that there are big shoes to fill in the place of Clara Wigley, the most recent captain, but she’s grateful for the trust from the girls.
“Our Team has plenty of natural leaders and built connections that have formed and only continue to grow,” she said.
The 19/U squad have sadly been rocked by multiple injuries this year, athletes who have been part of the core group for years.
“Our squad has definitely gone through its own trials and tribulations throughout this years program, with Clara Wigley, Kate Cunningham and Halle Richards all being ruled out of nationals,” Teagan said.
“I think it's only made our team connect on new levels. We all have the same goal and are prepared to do what it takes when we are away. It’s a new team with a new attitude.”
The side have been heavily focused on structure and systems, working on their team’s ability to recognise each other and play as a unit.
Four athletes from this side were also among the squad identified as part of Netball Australia’s National Pathway Squads in 2025.
“We are a connected side on and off the court and I can’t wait to see what we are going to bring this year,” Teagan said
“It’s been a roller coaster for sure, which means we are more prepared than anyone to take on whatever is thrown at us in the coming weeks of competition.”
Head Coach: Josie Janz-Dawson
Assistant Coach: Nicole Mann
Apprentice Coach: Ruley Culnane
Team Manager: Vanessa Casement
Physio: Anthony Mazza
Analyst: Josh Westphal
S&C Chelsey Heath
Squad: Teagan Begovic (Captain), Keely Berry, Ava Buselich, Christe-Lee Griesel, Bethan Lockwood-Jones, Charli Hynes, Lily Knight, Grace Millichamp, Mia Repacholi, Emily Rivers (Vice Captain), Ebony Stewart, Olivia Williams.
Training Partners: Lara Bussell and Brianna Jones.
View the NNC Fixtures here.
Watch the broadcast on the tournament on Kommunity TV.
