Queensland Suns Set Their Sights on a Powerful 2026 Campaign

The Queensland Suns Men’s & Mixed Netball Association is building strong momentum as preparations ramp up for the 2026 Australian Men’s & Mixed Netball Association (AMMNA) National Championships, to be held in Perth, Western Australia, from 3–12 April 2026.

The Suns enter the 2026 cycle determined to raise the bar once again - both on and off the court with a renewed focus for 2026. With several age groups already selected and our senior divisions well into their preseason squad campaigns, the focus for 2026 is clear:

• Elite preparation

• Strong culture

• Pathway development

• Consistent high performance

Following outstanding results at the 2025 Championships, the group is driven to build on that success - particularly with our U17s working towards a potential back-to-back championship run.

“Our athletes and support staff commit to an elite standard every single year,” said Queensland Suns President, Darren Gillespie. “We want Queensland to see that Men’s and Mixed Netball is not just thriving - it’s professional, disciplined, and delivering performances that rival any high-performance program in the country.”

A major enhancement for 2026 is the formal onboarding of a strength and conditioning team, the first time the Suns have engaged this level of dedicated athletic preparation.

This investment reflects the Association’s long-term vision: ensuring every Queensland athlete has the support, structures, and environment needed to excel at the world’s premier Men’s & Mixed Netball competition.

Additionally, the Suns proudly welcome the return of long-time Sun, Garry Pashen as Open Mixed Head Coach, supported by Jacqui Russell, former Sunshine Coast Lightning SSN athlete. Their combined expertise brings renewed energy and experience to the upcoming campaign.

The 2026 squad features a strong mix of returning athletes - bringing leadership, experience, and Suns-earned resilience, alongside new athletes injecting fresh energy, evolving skillsets, and future potential.

Selections have progressed quickly:

• U17 and U20 teams are finalised, and

• Open Men, Open A, Open Mixed, and U23 squads are currently in an extensive preseason campaign, with selections to be completed prior to Christmas.

Across the whole squad, the early focus has been on building connection, reinforcing Suns culture, and elevating athletic conditioning through the newly supported S&C framework.

“Our goal is bigger than medals, it’s about building a program that inspires the next generation of boys and young men to pursue netball at the highest level. The Suns represent opportunity, excellence, and community, and we are proud to lead the way for Men’s and Mixed Netball in Queensland.”

- Darren Gillespie, President, Queensland Suns Men’s & Mixed Netball Association

As the countdown to Perth 2026 begins, the Queensland Suns continue to elevate standards, strengthen pathways, and pave the way for future athletes who will proudly wear the maroon.