It’s been a standout year so far for Maccabi Ajax Netball Club. With the Autumn season behind us and the Spring season in full flight, more than 260 players have taken to the courts across Kingston & District Netball Association (KDNA), Caulfield & District Netball Association (CDNA), Stonnington City Netball Association and Waverley Night Netball Association (WNNA).

Building From the Ground Up

The Pups program, run by the ever-patient Nat Roth, giving Year 2 and 3 girls a fun and supportive first step into netball. This year brought logistical challenges when the club lost its usual 5.30 pm Tuesday training court at CDNA, but Nat adapted, shifting to an earlier 4.45 pm slot. The smaller group created a more focused learning environment, and 10 Pups have already joined — several now ready to progress to competitive teams next year.

Across the Divisions

The club continues to maintain an impressive footprint across multiple associations, fielding 27 teams in the Autumn season and maintaining strong numbers into Spring.

At KDNA (junior club for U11), new coordinator Julia Teperson has made an immediate impact, streamlining communication and even taking on early-morning duty shifts herself. Meanwhile, at CDNA (junior club for U13-U18), 16 teams competed through Autumn, with seven reaching finals. The U15 Ravens came away with a premiership, the U15 Penguins finished runners-up, a big congrats to our teams on a great Autumn season!

Senior Success and Stronger Pathways

The senior program continues to rebuild with purpose, thanks in large part to the groundwork laid by Carrie, who recently stepped down after years of committed leadership. Her efforts have helped more U18s bridge into the senior ranks – a long-term goal finally being realised.
Four senior teams competed at Stonnington this year, with the Emeralds taking out their grand final and the Gems narrowly missing theirs.

The club is now seeking a Seniors Coordinator to continue leading this momentum into 2026. It’s a rewarding volunteer opportunity for anyone passionate about strengthening pathways and community sport.

MANC Seniors

Coaches and Rising Leaders

Behind every match result are coaches and mentors who make it all possible. Head Coach Christina Puopolo has introduced structured development plans, mentor support, and a reimagined assistant coaching pathway. Four young leaders — Abbie Dodge, Emmi Ben-Moshe, Ari Barson Boon and Maya Lipton — graduated from the assistant program into coaching roles this year, supported by experienced hands Laura Joyce and Christina.

Parent coaches Chantel Klein, Bianca Jackson, Daniel Faigen, Nicole Fendel and Naomi Sussman also joined the team, bringing fresh perspectives and strong role models for younger players coming through.

Players Making Their Mark

One of the year’s most inspiring stories belongs to Rachel Naphtali, who, at just 13, continues to set the standard for determination and talent. Playing up in U15 Division 1, she also represents CDNA at rep level, competed in Perth at the National Indoor Netball Championships, and was selected for the National Squad – a rare achievement at her age.

Rachel Naphtali

The club also celebrates several members chosen to represent Team Australia at Maccabiah 2026, including Lara Dodge, Jacquie Zaslavsky, Gisele Berman, Kate Lustig, Pippa Davis, India Steiner and Arianna Hurst.

What’s Coming Up

As the Spring season heads toward its final rounds, there’s plenty on the horizon:

📅 Come & Try Sessions for 2026 Teams
Two sessions will be held at Duncan McKinnon, 6.30–7.30 pm on Tuesday 18 November and Tuesday 25 November.
To register, email macvicnetball@yahoo.com.

🏆 Presentation Night
Save the date – Tuesday 2 December, 6.45 pm start (venue to be confirmed). It’ll be a trophy night filled with celebration, gratitude (and cupcakes!).

🌟 Competition Updates

• KDNA: No finals, but the season will wrap up with a fun round robin morning on 29 November, bringing all teams together for one last hit-out.

• CDNA: Finals are approaching fast, with the U13 Lions, U15 Hummingbirds, and U15 Lorikeets all currently sitting on top of the ladder and well positioned with only three matches left in the home-and-away season. Semi-finals begin 22 November, with Grand Finals on 29 November. We wish all our athletes the very best as they chase premiership success to close out another great year.

• Seniors: The Gems are also on top of the ladder with one round to go. Finals begin Wednesday 5 November, and the team is aiming for another strong finish.

🙌 Rep Squad Trials
There’s a huge turnout of girls trialling for the Rep Squads at CDNA and KDNA. The club wishes all players the very best of luck — a great reflection of MANC’s growing depth and development pathways.

U11 Storm Team

U13 Tigers

U13 Bobcats