GIANTS shooter Sophie Dwyer is set for her Commonwealth Games debut, having today been announced in a 12-strong team that will chase back-to-back gold at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The 24-year-olds selection is a testament to her consistent impact with the Diamonds and GIANTS, where her athleticism, creativity in attack and composure under pressure have made her one of the most exciting shooting talents in world netball.
The side will again be led by captain Liz Watson, with a strong blend of experience and emerging talent.
Dwyer headlines an exciting group of five debutants, alongside Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus and former GIANT, Jamie-Lee Price.
Defensive stalwarts Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce will feature in their third Commonwealth Games campaigns, and are joined by Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney and Kiera Austin - all members of the gold medal-winning team in Birmingham.
Australia enters the tournament as the most successful nation in the competition’s netball history, having claimed four gold medals, including their historic victory in Birmingham where the team secured Australia’s 1000th Commonwealth Games gold medal.
GIANTS Head Coach Nerida Stewart said the club was thrilled to see Dwyer selected for her first Commonwealth Games.
“Sophie has worked incredibly hard for this opportunity and we’re so proud to see her earn this selection,” Stewart said.
“She’s shown real growth over the past 12 months, particularly in her ability to take ownership and lead out on court.
“She brings a real spark in attack. Her athleticism, courage and ability to perform under pressure make her such a valuable player, and we’ve seen that consistently at the GIANTS.
Stewart said Dwyer’s strong finish to the season, including back-to-back Player of the Match honours, highlighted her readiness.
“She’s been playing with a lot of confidence and control, and that’s been reflected in the impact she’s had across the last few rounds.
“She’s also been working really hard to add new elements to her game, and that’s put her in a great position to be a real asset for the Diamonds during the campaign.
“We’re excited to see her take this opportunity and know she’ll represent both the Diamonds and the GIANTS with great pride.”
Diamonds Head coach Stacey Marinkovich said the squad had been carefully assembled to balance experience with fresh energy.
“The Commonwealth Games is one of the pinnacle events for our sport. The team brings together proven experience and exciting new talent including five Commonwealth Games debutants,” Marinkovich said.
“The Australian Netball Team has an incredible history competing at the Commonwealth Games, and this team is ready to contribute to that legacy.
“We are proud of the depth in Australian netball and confident this group is ready to compete at the highest level.”
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature 12 teams split into two pools of six, with each nation playing every other team in their group. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners contesting the gold medal match and the remaining teams playing for bronze.
Competition will run from 23 July to 2 August, with netball matches taking place at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) at the Hydro from 25 July to 2 August.
AUSTRALIAN NETBALL TEAM – GLASGOW 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES
Kiera Austin
Courtney Bruce
Sophie Dwyer
Sophie Garbin
Matilda Garrett
Georgie Horjus
Sarah Klau
Cara Koenen
Kate Moloney
Jamie-Lee Price
Liz Watson
Jo Weston
RESERVES
Jessie Grenvold
Amy Parmenter
Donnell Wallam
