Emily Latter wasn’t expecting to play netball in 2026.
The 23-year-old made the decision to take a break from the game she loved at the end of her HART Premier Netball League (HPNL) Ruby season last year, but a recent phone call from Kedron-Wavell Cougars head coach Liz White changed everything.
"I shocked myself by deciding to take the year off, it is my whole life, but I had decided to take some time off to travel, reassess goals and challenge myself outside of netball," Latter said.
A product of the Downey Park pathway, Latter has tasted success at a high level, previously named the Ruby series MVP and having played in the Australian mixed netball team.
"I work at All Hallows’ School and was at an athletics event when Liz called," she said.
"I called her back that Friday night, and was playing on Sunday. It’s been a dream to secure a Sapphire contract, but I questioned if my body was fit and strong enough without the pre-season preparation.
"Liz backed me, Amanda (VanderWal) backed me, and the entire team got around me. I had nothing to lose."
The Cougars are currently third on the Sapphire ladder, having won two of their first three games, with Latter playing a pivotal role through the middle.
"I expected to have a few minutes here and there, but was named starting wing attack against the Bull Sharks and then the Jets," she said.
"I have no regrets, and I’m absolutely loving it.
"Being back in this space, you realise how much you do love the sport and the commitment to it all. I’m so grateful that I got that phone call."
Round four of the HART Premier Netball League Sapphire division sees all teams line up this Saturday, including the Cougars, who are preparing to play the eighth-placed Brisbane South Wildcats at Nissan Arena.
"They have a very strong two-point time," Latter said.
"We have all our girls back from Super Netball Reserves, so we’re slowly getting our team back together. It’s hard to know how each game will play out in these early rounds."
Netball Queensland's NetballQ TV, the home of community netball in Queensland, is delivering live and free coverage of the state’s most exciting grassroots and pathways competitions, including the HART Premier Netball League Sapphire and Ruby Series. Click HERE to access NetballQ TV.
