Anticipation has been steadily building at the Kingston Blues as the `19U team prepares for TNL26. The 2026 group brings together exciting young talent alongside experienced TNL athletes, creating a balanced and competitive lineup.
“It has been with great anticipation at Blues that we have been waiting to see this combination of young talented players coming up from our underage pathway into the State League competition. Combined with just the right balance of seasoned and knowledgeable TNL athletes to compete together as a team this season, we are sure it will make for a commanding display of netball,” Head Coach Sonja Fletcher said.
That blend has translated quickly into cohesion and purpose. The group has formed a strong connection early in the campaign and has committed fully to the demands of State League netball.
“This united and happy group has got straight to work on the skills, endurance and strategies to make their mark in State League, and they have put no limits on what they can achieve together.”
The squad is guided by a highly experienced coaching panel, led by returning Head Coach Sonja Fletcher and supported by Assistant Coach Shane Fish and Apprentice Coach Rosalind Herbert. Together, they bring decades of experience and a strong understanding of both high-performance environments and player development.
The team has been challenged throughout a demanding preseason, designed to establish clear standards and accountability across the group. The focus has been on building habits that will translate under pressure and ensure consistency once competition begins.
On court, the Blues boast a defensive unit built on strength and versatility, with Sadie Hardcastle anchoring the backline alongside Molly Wilcox and Holly Haas. Through the midcourt, Grace Kinder and Divinia Mills bring speed and excitement, while Bessy Brereton provides composure and balance. In attack, Indie Hunt and Ruby Duggan will combine with sharp shooters Bella Turner and Annabelle Gatehouse, offering multiple scoring options.
Reflecting on the group as a whole, the club believes this squad is well placed to make an impact in 2026.
“This exciting team has been put through a rigorous preseason, cementing strong standards and expectations of each other and as a group, and they are looking forward to transferring these essential elements into success on the court. With the genuine pace, athleticism, courage and versatility of this team, along with the tangible connection amongst the players, we are certainly looking forward to hitting the courts in Round 1 and getting our 2026 campaign started.”
