Rising Stars & Australian Diamonds

HELENA METZKE, MARKETING COORDINATOR

It’s been a stellar season for College netball so far, with the Firsts currently placed second on the APS ladder, only narrowly losing to Caulfield recently in a goal-for-goal game. The Seconds remain undefeated, comfortably winning each week with an average margin of 20-plus goals. There have been strong results in all divisions, the depth and professionalism of the program is shining through.

Former Australian Diamonds player and international coach, Jane Searle, was announced as Director of Coaching (Netball) for the 2024 season. She has over four decades of national netball playing experience, including 25 appearances for Australia, a World Championship Gold Medal in 1983, and serving as ViceCaptain in 1986.

A highly skilled player, Jane’s coaching and development knowledge is also vast. Jane has coached the Australian Fast5 Flyers team, been Assistant Coach to the Diamonds, and Head Coach of the Brunei National Team. She has also coached at the Adelaide Thunderbirds, West Coast Fever, and Melbourne Kestrels, and is currently the Head Coach of the Wilson Storage Saints in the VNL.

“Jane has been working with players across all year levels to develop their skills and understanding of the game,” says Teacher in Charge of Netball, Sarah Langley.

“She has also demonstrated highimpact coaching strategies for our coaches to learn from at training and games, including planning training sessions and effective communication and progressions of drills.”

We are also incredibly proud of the remarkable achievements of the six senior netballers selected into elite pathway teams this year. Their hard work and dedication has paid off, and we are excited about the opportunities they will have to train and play with high-calibre teammates and nationally accredited coaches.

Indiah Madden (Year 9) has been selected for the Victorian Under 15 State Team and will compete at the School Sport Association (SSA) Nationals on the Gold Coast in late July. Zoey Shaw (Year 12) and Louise Shaw (Year 11) join the Geelong Cougars Under 23 team in the Victorian Netball League (VNL), whilst Shelby O’Sullivan (Year 11) is playing for their Under 23 Development Team in the Parkville premier division.

Eliza Hannagan (Year 12) and Eden Nadorp-Goddard (Year 12) have been selected for the City West Falcons Under 23 Development Team, competing in the Under 19 State Netball Super Series at Altona.

With such exciting netball being played consistently throughout the season and the impending completion of the Belerren Sports and Wellbeing Centre, the College’s Netball Program is set to continue to soar to great heights as the opportunities for high performance netball to become a regular feature of the program continues and develops.