The next wave of emerging Victorian netball talent has been unveiled including two Melton Centrals players, with the announcement of the Victorian 17 and under and 19 and under state teams set to compete at the 2026 National Netball Championships.
The teams of 12 were selected following an extensive process that began in August, with initial squads of 50 refined to 25.
Throughout this period, athletes took part in Netball Victoria’s elevate program under recently appointed Melbourne Vixens’ assistant coach, Kate Upton, gaining exposure to high performance environments including strength and conditioning, nutrition, wellbeing and skill development.
Athletes were first talent identified through Netball Victoria’s pathway competitions, the Association Championships and State Titles, as well as through the Talent Academies operating across the state.
Both Victorian teams finished on the podium in 2025 with the 17 and under side claiming bronze and the 19 and under team coming away with silver.
Riddell’s Sahara Ball was named in the under-19 squad.
Among those in the 17 and under team are City West Falcons. Altona Netball Association and Melton Centrals’ pair Manon Muir and Imogen Sexton, and Western Warriors and St Albans Caroline Springs Netball Association’s Payton Simeki.
Nineteen and under coach Adrian Ballantyne, who led the team to a silver medal in 2025, said the standard across the selection period has been exceptional again this year, reinforcing just how strong the Victorian pathway continues to be.
“Narrowing the group to a final 12 is always incredibly difficult, but we’re confident this team has the talent, work ethic and connection to put us in a great position at Nationals.”
Seventeen and under coach Belinda Lees, who enters her first year in the role, said it’s a special moment for these athletes, with some being selected in their very first state team.
“Stepping into the head coach role this year, I’ve been incredibly impressed by the professionalism and talent this group has already shown. We’re excited to continue building towards Nationals and to help further their development within the pathway.”
