The future of the GIANTS continues to be a key priority for the club, with the GIANTS confirming their Academy squad for the 2026 season.
Supporting and developing the most promising up-and-coming young local talent, the GIANTS have chosen a list of 14 players, including the likes of emerging training partners Audrey Little, Eva Carneiro, Monika ‘Otai, and Skye Thompson.
As the GIANTS Netball Academy enters its seventh year of operation, the focus remains on providing a high-performance environment aimed at providing the best development pathway possible to help young netballers obtain a Suncorp Super Netball contract and graduate into Australian Diamonds.
The GIANTS Academy is widely recognised for its commitment to developing emerging talent, delivering comprehensive programs that integrate skill development, strength and conditioning, and access to high-performance services, all designed to prepare athletes for an elite daily training environment.
In 2026 the program welcomes five new faces including a quartet from this year’s NSW 19U team, as well as Dakota Thomas who returns to NSW following a year in the ANZ Premiership competition in New Zealand.
The Academy will also be bolstered by three new specialist coaches, with Amber Cross, Ali Miller and Sophie Craig to join the orange and charcoal this year.
Tasked with overseeing the Academy, GIANTS Assistant Coach, Jen Wirght congratulated the athletes on their selection.
“We’re really excited by the talent within this squad and the potential each athlete has to continue progressing throughout the year. There’s a great opportunity for growth across the program,” she said.
“While individual development remains a priority, we’re also looking forward to every chance we get to come together and represent the GIANTS as a team - whether that’s in Super Netball Reserves, SSN curtain raisers, or through other performance opportunities.
“This environment is about challenging athletes to raise their standards every day, learn from each experience, and build the habits required to reach and succeed at the highest level.”
GIANTS fans will be able to show their support for the next generation of GIANTS throughout the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball Reserves season.
2026 GIANTS Netball Academy
Athletes:
- Ellie Hart – Campbelltown District | ERNA Hawks Opens | NSW 19U State Team
- Matilda Percival -Newcastle | North Shore United U23s | NSW 19U State Team
- Olivia Harris – Penrith District North Shore United Opens
- Marley Aplin – Orange | ERNA Hawks U23s | NSW 19U State Team
- Jamie Podmore-Taylor – Randwick | UTS Randwick Sparks Opens
- Matilda Fanning – Sutherland | Sutherand Stingrays Opens | NSW 19U State Team
- Dakota Thomas – Newcastle | Sutherland Stingrays Opens
- Kelis Ogle – Liverpool City | South West Mounties Magic Opens | NSW 19U Team
- Eloise Egan – Hills District | Manly Warringah Sapphires Opens
- Violet Wetsteyn – Blacktown City | North Shore United Opens
2026 Super Netball Training Partners:
- Audrey Little – Manly Warringah | Manly Warringah Sapphires
- Eva Carneiro – Sutherland | Sutherland Stingrays U23s | NSW 17U State Team
- Monika ‘Otai – St George District | UTS Randwick Sparks Opens
- Skye Thompson – Sutherland | Sutherland Stingrays Opens | NSW 19U State Team
Coaching & Staff:
- Head Coach – Bec Bulley (NSU Opens Head Coach)
- Assistant Coach – Amber Cross (CCH Mentor Coach / NSW 19U State Team Head Coach)
- Specialist Coach – Ali Miller (Former ERNA Hawks | Swifts Academy | QLD Firebirds 11th Player)
- Specialist Coach – Sophie Craig (ERNA Hawks | NSW Swift #86
- Manager – Lisa Duncan
