ADF netballers mix it up in strong debut

The ADF Open Mixed Netball Team competed for the first time in the Opens Division of the Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association (AMMNA) National Championships, held at Perth’s Gold Netball Stadium over the Easter period.

The championships represented a new challenge for the ADF team, stepping into the Opens Division against established state-based teams that had been training together for up to six months.

The team included five Navy players and four representatives each from Army and Air Force.

Guiding the team was coach WGCDR Jacqui Carswell, supported by assistant coach LCDR Pattrick Watts. Their focus was on building cohesion while maintaining a high-performance mindset.

Both coaches praised the individual and collective efforts of the team.

“This group set a strong foundation for future ADF representation in the Opens Division performance, reflecting both competitive intent and the growing strength of Defence netball on the national stage. The way they came together as a triservice team and competed with determination – especially against seasoned opposition – was something to be very proud of,” WGCDR Carswell said.

“Across six round matches, the team demonstrated resilience and competitiveness against strong opposition. Two of the games resulted in narrow losses, but the team pushed their opponents until the final whistle.”

Star goal shooter, LAC Michael Cosh, put on a dominant attacking display throughout the rounds. He was the second-highest goal scorer across all round matches, finishing the tournament with 179 goals from 199 attempts.

“I was pleased with my personal development at this competition, as AMMNA 2026 was my first experience competing at this level of netball and was proud of my scoring percentage throughout the week,” LAC Cosh said.

A highlight of the event for LAC Cosh was the wire-to-wire win against the ACT. It marked the ADF Mixed Netball Team’s first victory in the Opens Division at a national championship.

WGCDR Carswell said the championships provided valuable experience for the team, offering insight into the pace, physicality and tactical demands of Opens level competition.

She said that the exposure will be instrumental in preparing the ADF Mixed Netball program for future national events.

“The team’s debut in the Opens Division represents an important step forward for Defence sport, highlighting professionalism, teamwork and the potential for sustained success at the highest levels of Australian mixed netball,” WGCDR Carswell said.