The 2026 representative season has provided an exciting opportunity for some of the Central Highlands Netball League’s most promising junior players to test themselves against quality opposition from across regional Victoria.

Central Highlands was represented by 13 & Under, 15 & Under and 17 & Under teams, with the players gaining valuable experience, developing new combinations and proudly representing their clubs and the wider CHNL community.

CHNL 15 & Under Team Claims Tournament Premiership

The representative campaign began with the Ballarat Netball Association Junior Tournament on Sunday 10 May.

The tournament brought together representative teams in the 13 & Under, 15 & Under and 17 & Under age groups, providing an excellent early-season test for the CHNL squads.

The highlight of the day was an outstanding performance from the Central Highlands 15 & Under team, which finished as tournament premiers ahead of runner-up Wimmera Football Netball League.

It was a terrific achievement for the players and coaching staff and a strong indication of the junior netball talent continuing to develop throughout Central Highlands clubs.

Central Highlands Takes on Colac and District

The CHNL representative teams returned to the court on Sunday 14 June for an interleague contest against the Colac and District Football Netball League at Buninyong Recreation Reserve.

The 13 & Under match was a close and entertaining contest. Central Highlands remained within reach throughout the game but was narrowly defeated 38–35. Emmi Nairn was recognised as Central Highlands’ best-on-court player after an excellent individual performance.

In the 15 & Under game, Colac and District recorded a 52–35 victory. Despite the result, the Central Highlands players continued competing strongly against a talented opposition, with Ruby Hines named best on court for CHNL.

The 17 & Under team faced another strong Colac and District combination, with CDFNL winning 74–25. Lilli Clark received the Central Highlands best-on-court award for her performance.

A Valuable Representative Experience

Although the interleague results did not all fall Central Highlands’ way, the representative program was about much more than the final scores.

The players were given the opportunity to compete at a higher level, learn from experienced coaches, build confidence and form new friendships with teammates from clubs throughout the league.

The 15 & Under tournament premiership and the narrow three-goal result achieved by the 13 & Under team against Colac and District were particularly encouraging signs for the future of junior netball within the Central Highlands region.

Congratulations to every player selected to represent the CHNL during the 2026 season. The league also thanks the coaches, team managers, umpires, volunteers, families and supporters who contributed to the representative program and helped make these opportunities possible.