The Emeralds are back for another year to compete at the Marie Little Shield tournament in Melbourne this September. The Emeralds have been selected post an open trial process. The team will begin training this week in preparation for the tournament. This will be Tasmania’s third year competing in the tournament, which now hosts a team from every state and territory. With many returning players, Netball Tasmania is looking forward to seeing these athletes take the court and play with courage and integrity.
Head Coach Rani Milne will lead the team, says she hopes the team embody their namesake this year.
“On the court, we will be confident in our skills and gameplay and work together as a team. Off the court, we will all communicate very clearly and listen carefully. Off and on the court, we will learn from each other and support each other. We will be Emeralds: strong, clear, bright, and hopeful.”
The 2026 Emeralds are:
Jayde Campbell
Amie Crennan
Grace Crennan
Hayley Goymour
Sally Grace
Ava Harris
Zoe Ketchell
Hailie Large
Jayne Robinson
Head Coach – Rani Milne
Assistant Coach – Shannon Hill
Team Manager – Caitlin Grant
Umpire – Rebekah Illingworth
The Marie Little Sheild is an annual tournament that provides women 16 years and older, with an intellectual disability the chance to complete at a national level.
Marie Little OAM was the founder of Sport Inclusion Australia in 1986 and dedicated her working life to improve the lives of people with an intellectual disability, using the medium of sport. Renaming the event in her name was in honour of her work within the netball community.
In 2026, major sponsor Aurora Energy supports the Emeralds. Contributing to the cost of the program and trip to the tournament, the contributions made by Aurora Energy are instrumental in the Emeralds attending Marie Little Shield this year.
