The Western Swans represent Western Australia at the Marie Little OAM Shield, a national championship featuring the country’s top athletes with an intellectual disability.
For the past four years, the side has finished fourth, narrowly missing out on a podium finish. This year, the squad is more motivated than ever to bring home a medal.
That consistency has built belief within the group, and the coaching team is focused on turning near-misses into a breakthrough result.
The State Team will be led once again by Head Coach Bev Gallager and assisted by Amy Fuller and Jennifer Thompson, an experience coaching trio.
Bev has been the Head Coach for four years now, as well as an assistant coach, manager and Netball WA staff member in the past.
On why she consistently returns to the program, Bev said it is simply because she loves it.
“I really love it, it’s exciting each year,” she said.
This year, the side has welcomed three new players, adding fresh energy to an already talented team.
“Every year we get better and the girls want to learn more, they’re looking good this year,” Bev said.
“We’ve been focusing on a lot this year, set plays, connections and skills.”
After working incredibly hard during their training block, Bev and her squad have a shared goal:
“Our goal is definitely that bronze medal, at least,” she said.
The team will be led by Co-Captains Lux Harrington and Mikayla Carter new captains after the fantastic leadership of Emma Revell in past years.
This year’s competition will be contested at Thornbury’s Narrandjeri Stadium from 4–6 September, in Melbourne.
2026 Squad:
- Chelsea Lankford
- Dakota Rozman
- Emma Revell
- Holly Carter
- Imogen Peterson
- Jone Potgieter
- Jade Franz
- Lila Stern*
- Lux Harrington (Captain)
- Mikayla Carter (Captain)
- Nicole Brien
- Rachael Jefferis
- Sarah Ahnstrom
*not travelling due to injury
Training Partner
Brooke Revell
Staff:
- Head Coach: Bev Gallager
- Assistant Coach: Amy Fuller
- Assistant Coach: Jennifer Thompson
- Team Manager: Odette Ritchie
