The Queensland Sapphires team for next month’s inaugural Australian Netball Championships (ANC) in Victoria has been announced, with selections based on providing opportunity to emerging athletes from within the Netball Queensland pathway.
Coming off her first season with the Queensland Firebirds, goaler Mia Stower will bring her experience to the team and reignite combinations with former teammates.
Stower will be joined by Charlie Bell (2022 QLD Firebirds training partner and ACU Brisbane North Cougars), Olivia Dijkstra (Gold Coast Titans), and playmaker Rylee Burns (ACU Brisbane North Cougars) to provide plenty of variety inside the circle.
The Sapphires midcourt will showcase impressive speed and versatility with athletes Leesa Mi Mi (ACU Brisbane North Cougars), Macy Gardner (2023 QLD Firebirds and ACU Brisbane North Cougars), Hulita Veve (2022 QLD Firebirds training partner and QUT), and Lia Woolnough (ACU Brisbane North Cougars) all able to play multiple positions providing head coach Katie Walker the ability to change her line-up to offset opposition combinations.
Defensively, the Sapphires have exciting talent with great height and adaptability in Remi Kamo (ACU Brisbane North Cougars), Ashleigh Ervin (2022 QLD Firebirds Training Partner and USQ Jets), Maddi Ridley* (USQ Jets) and Danielle Taylor (QUT).
“It’s a team of winners, and that includes our training partners also,” Walker said.
“Our priorities and focus are on preparation and performance, and that sits alongside their strong desire to not only wear the Queensland Sapphires dress but to achieve success whilst wearing it. This group understands and embraces the mindset that securing a spot in the team isn’t enough, it’s what we do from here as individuals and as a team that is important. We are genuine contenders at the ANC and our expectation is we’re going to go to Victoria and do well, and that challenge excites me greatly.”
Walker said all players selected were rewarded for their HART Sapphire Series form.
“The 12 we’ve taken, plus training partners, have earned their positions through their performances during the HART Sapphire Series,” she said.
“It’s an honour to wear the Queensland dress and I have no doubt this determined, talented group of athletes will wear it with pride and make everyone proud.”
2022 Queensland Sapphires
Charlie Bell – ACU Brisbane North Cougars
Rylee Burns – ACU Brisbane North Cougars
Olivia Dijkstra – Gold Coast Titans
Ashleigh Ervin – USQ Jets
Macy Gardner – ACU Brisbane North Cougars
Remi Kamo – ACU Brisbane North Cougars
Leesa Mi Mi – ACU Brisbane North Cougars
Maddi Ridley* – USQ Jets
Mia Stower – Qld Firebirds
Danielle Taylor – QUT
Hulita Veve – QUT
Lia Woolnough – ACU Brisbane North Cougars
*Subject to fitness.
Five training partners will train alongside the 12 until the team departs for the ANC in Traralgon, from 22-28 August.
Maddie Grant – QUT
Michaela Kadlecek – Mendi Rays
Jessie Laga’aia – USQ Jets
Elsa Sif Sandholt – USQ Jets
Isabelle Shearer – QUT
The championships will be fought out between 10 teams from state and territory member organisations and Suncorp Super Netball league clubs, and replaces the former Australian Netball League.
