There is a word that comes up again and again when Rani Milne talks about her players: joy. Not strategy, not statistics. Joy. It is the thing she says surprises her most, inspires her most, and ultimately defines what her team is about.
Recently named Head Coach of the Tasmanian Emeralds for 2026, Milne returns to a role she first held in 2024, when she co-coached the team in its debut season. A year away from the Emeralds, one she describes plainly as missing everything, only deepened her sense of what the team means.
"It is a great privilege," she says. "After being involved in the team in 2024, I really missed everything last year: the growth and development of the team, and the way that we are growing into our Emeralds title and understanding what that means to the management team, the players, and to Tassie."
The Emeralds are an all-abilities team, a designation that, Milne is quick to point out, changes the coaching dynamic in one fundamental way. "Coaching a team at any level involves many of the same things: developing skills, getting the basics right on court, and engaging players in a way that resonates with them," she explains. "The difference is that in an all-abilities team, we get instant feedback and a lack of ambiguity from our athletes. They are much more likely to let us know how they are feeling, in one way or another, whereas in other teams it can be harder to know if you are cutting through."
When the Emeralds first took the court in 2024, they were building something entirely new. Milne, who had previously travelled with the Tasmanian Titans on national campaigns, found herself learning alongside her players. "We learned it all as we went," she recalls. "One thing I didn't expect was the welcome we got from the other states when we arrived, and how the experience gave our players a sense of belonging and growth, and what an impact that had."
She pauses before adding: "I also learned, and am still learning, not to take anything for granted."
Her goals for the season ahead are articulated with the same clarity she brings to her view of sport's broader purpose. On court: confidence in skills, cohesive gameplay, and teamwork. Off court: clear communication and deep listening. And beyond all of that, something harder to measure. "We will be Emeralds," she says simply. "Strong, clear, bright and hopeful."
Without the support of proud Emeralds partner, Aurora Energy, the team would not be able to travel and compete at the National Marie Little Shield All-Abilities tournament. This support provides vital funding for flights, accommodation, food and more. Moreso, it provides a group of young all-abilities athletes the chance to be a part of something incredibly meaningful.
The conversation turns, as it must, to the question of why all-abilities sport matters at all. Her answer is direct. "A sense of inclusion and the ability to participate in physical activities is important for everyone," she says. "Sport is an outlet where we can connect with others in an entirely different way than our usual day-to-day. It is great for physical and emotional wellbeing, and every person should have the chance to access those benefits."
Yet Milne is candid about the barriers that remain, and they are not physical ones. "I would like to see more participation, which means we need to lose the stigma associated with being a part of it," she says. "I have experienced people either thinking that it isn't for them, or that they don't want to be thought of 'that way'. I would just love to see more people involved."
For anyone who has never considered netball, all-abilities or otherwise, she offers a simple invitation. "I am biased, but I think there is a place for everyone in netball. It is the very definition of a team sport. It gives each team member a role to play and only works when we all work together. It is a naturally inclusive game that you can start playing at any level, and at any age."
As for her players, the ones who keep showing up and showing her what they have learned? They continue to give Rani Milne exactly what the game, at its best, is supposed to provide. Joy.
