For the first time, two Ngadjuri Netball teams were entered into the Nunga Netball Carnival with a 11& under and 15 & Under teams incorporating girls
from the North Eastern Netball Association, Ngadjuri girls living in Adelaide with some assistance from Lake Eyre 15 & Under girls who also struggled with numbers to form a team as well. “The children all had fun and having Johanna Kite (Ngadjuri person) added to the experience of having Ngajuri teams in for the first time.”Coordinator Corey AhChee said.
These carnival held at Priceline stadium are an opportunity to develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers to competitive netball, as well as a platform to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Netball SA also launched its inaugural Rising Sisters Aboriginal Netball Program, established to increase opportunities and identify talent within South Australia’s First Nations netball community.
20 athletes aged between 14 and 17 have been selected to take part in the program, identified from their performances at the 2022 Nunga Netball Carnival at Netball SA Stadium on October 7 and 8.
Athletes will be provided with skill development and support toward potential selection in Netball SA pathway programs including the Adelaide Thunderbirds Talent Academy (14-16yrs) and Netball SA's 17U and 19U State Team Programs.
Ngadjuri team coordinators Corey AhChee and Leanne Lang look forward to planning next year with the help of NENA, “We would like to thank the NENA Executive for your support by allowing the use of netball uniforms and equipment for the two teams that played in the carnival. A special mention must be given to Yana Zanette (NC) for her energy and enthusiasm in helping to organise this. It was exciting to have Ngadjuri people involved in playing and also coaching and having a fun and great experience together with girls and parents from the Clare Valley region. They are already looking forward to the 2023 SA Nunga Carnival.“
Ngadjuri 11 & Under Team Report
Team: Zoe Lang (North Clare Netball Club); Ava Smith (North Clare Netball Club); Allegra Prokopec (North Clare Netball Club); Dakota Naylor (North Clare Netball Club); Rubi Ah Chee (Southern Saints Netball Club); Jazmin Ferguson (Ngadjuri) not in order
Report: It was a nervous start to the carnival for the team as it was the first time together playing netball that also included having to use players from the opposition team every game throughout the carnival. Coached by Amy Prokopec and Team Manger Jess Smith, the team grew together in confidence attacking every game with excitement and a “having a go” attitude. Ava Smith and Rubi Ah Chee were solid in defence and caused many turnovers for the team with mid -courters Zoe Lang and Jazmin Ferguson providing drive with goalies Dakota Naylor, Allegra Prokopec and Jazmin Ferguson shooting some long bombs. The team had so much fun and are excitedly talking about playing in 2023 Carnival for Ngadjuri again.
Results
Ngadjuri lost to Kokatha (scores unknown), Ngadjuri 2 lost to Mallee Park 3, Ngadjuri 1 lost to Kaleteeya (1), Ngadjuri 1 lost to Whyalla 9, Ngadjuri 6 defeated Kaleteeya (2) 0 and Ngadjuri 0 lost to Kokatha 14.
Ngadjuri 15 & Under Team Report
Team: Megan Lang (North Clare Netball Club); Aimee Lang (North Clare Netball Club); Jess Sommerville (BSR Netball Club); Madi Ah Chee (Southern Saints Football Club); Tareka Young (Ngajuri); BriannaYoung (Lake Eyre); Taylor Friend (Lake Eyre) RUNNER UP BEST & FAIREST FOR 15 & Under Carnival (not in order)
Report: Just like the 11 & Under team, it was a nervous start to the carnival for the 15 & Under team as it was their first time together playing netball along with having players from Lake Eyre join them on the day to play. Coached by Johanna Kite (Ngadjuri) and Team Manger Leanne Lang, the team grew together on day 1 with their skills and confidence in each other with many great passages from defence to attack. Defenders Megan Lang, Aimee Lang and Jess Sommerville were kept very busy during games with the passing from opposition teams proving difficult to intercept but when they did the mid court of Tareka Young, Brianna Young and Taylor Friend transitioned the ball into the shooting circle where Madi Ah Chee shot well throughout the carnival. Special mention to Taylor Friend for an outstanding carnival playing goals / midcourt and winning the Carnival Runner Up Best & Fairest for 15 & Under Grade. With more numbers involved the team looks to improve in 2023.
Results
Ngadjuri / Lake Eyre 5 lost to Kokatha (2) 25, Ngadjuri / Lake Eyre 14 defeated Whyalla 11, Ngadjuri / Lake Eyre 11 lost to Kaurna Ochre 14, Ngadjuri / Lake Eyre 8 lost to Mallee Park 24, Ngadjuri / Lake Eyre 7 lost to Next Gen Tigers 26 and Ngadjuri / Lake Eyre 1 lost to Kaleteeya (1) 28.
Thank you to Corey, Leanne, Johanna, coaches, team mangers and parents for supporting this event to develop our NENA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers.