The Northern Hawks Opens head into the Tasmanian Netball League 2026 season with unfinished business and a fierce determination to get back on top after being the runners up in 2025.
After falling just short in the 2025 Grand Final, the Hawks have returned to preseason with purpose. Head coach Cameron Martin says preparations are already tracking well, with a slightly different approach paying dividends. “Preseason has started well. We’ve been mixed things up a little bit with the way we’ve done preseason this year which is having some really good results.”
With minimal changes to the playing list from last year, the Northern Hask are leaning into continuity as a major strength. The focus has been on sharpening combinations and elevating their on-court cohesion. “We’ve had minimal changes to our playing list from 2025, so we’ll be focusing on solidifying our connections and improving the fluidity of our ball movement,” Cameron explained.
Despite the disappointment of the 2025 decider, the Hawks see last season as proof of the club’s depth and long-term development. “Despite falling short in the Grand Final in 2025, we proved the depth our club has and we plan on continuing to build on the foundation that has been built for years.” That foundation, established across multiple seasons, has created a group that trusts one another and understands what it takes to compete at the highest level.
There are, however, three important additions to the Opens lineup in 2026. Sophie and Izzy Sheriff and Liv Bender join the squad as the new faces. “Sophie will inject some speed into our shooting end and Izzy’s versatility across all 3 midcourt positions will be a great addition.” With added pace in attack and flexibility through the midcourt, the Hawks have strengthened key areas without disrupting their established structure.
Consistency looms as a central theme for the year ahead. “We’ll be looking to play some very competitive netball throughout the year and look to be a little more consistent. We have 11 players on our list, all of whom are capable of being match winners and we plan on showing that week in-week out.” It’s a confident statement, but one backed by a squad rich in talent across all areas of the court.
There are always certain fixtures that carry extra meaning, and for the Hawks, the northern derby stands out. “The northern derby is always a game we look forward to. The intensity of the players always steps up a level; the crowd get louder and it’s normally a great spectacle.” Those clashes are often season-defining moments, and the Hawks will embrace the atmosphere and expectation that comes with them.
Beyond results, the club remains committed to developing well-rounded athletes. “We’ll continue to look to empower our players to build important skills that are transferable to life outside of netball. We’re fortunate to have some great community connections who are experts in their fields and can pass on their knowledge to our players.” It’s an approach that strengthens culture and ensures players continue to grow both personally and professionally.
As the 2026 season approaches, the mood within the group is one of excitement and hunger. “We’re really excited about the 2026 season. We didn’t finish 2025 the way we wanted so we’re all eager to sink our talons into a new season.” And with match-winning talent across the court, Cameron is eager to see his squad deliver. “We have match winners all over the court and I’m most excited to see them all show their skills week in-week out.”
The message from the Northern Hawks Opens is clear: they are ready to soar again and this time, they’re determined to finish the job.
