TALENTED Nelson Bay goal attack Brooke Hunter won’t forget her debut coaching stint in the Newcastle Netball Association in a hurry.
When the representative shooter’s playing commitments with Kotara Souths Tigers in the Tri Series Championship clashed with her desire to lead the Nelson Bay Navigators attack in the 21 Years Division Two competition, she opted to take over the coaching reins.
The all-conquering Navigators dominated the 2026 series, winning the minor premiership undefeated and cruising into the trophy decider with a 52-30 victory over second-ranked Souths Holly.
In a cruel twist, the Nelson Bay girls stumbled at the final hurdle and lost their first match of the season last Saturday to underdogs Norths Seahawks 24-23 in a grand final thriller.
With the astute Hunter at the helm, the Navigators developed into a force to be reckoned with, chalking up 13 victories on their way to the minor title.
But there was no stopping giant-killers Norths as they stormed home from fourth spot to snatch the trophy in a pulsating contest at the National Park courts.
A disappointed Hunter told News Of The Area that the Seahawks were a side she feared leading up to the finals.
“Norths were a dark horse,” she said.
“They found their groove at the right time of the season.
“Unforced errors and turnovers proved our downfall in the biggest test, but you have to give credit to the Seahawks for lifting in the pressure moments.”
The Navigators assembled a skilful young squad for their 2026 campaign, featuring prominent defenders Ciara Cullen, Anneliese Jones, Emma Tibbs, Kate Slade and wing defence Olivia Childs.
Leading the attack were midcourt aces in centre Amber Redman and wing attack Abbey Hunter, goal shooter Melody Tibbs and goal attacks Gabriella McCallum and Isla Foster.
Brooke described her coaching stint as ‘enjoyable and hard’ and was hoping to add the 21 Years title to her Newcastle Senior Division Four premiership win last season with Nelson Bay.
The ace shooter starred in the Bay’s 27-23 grand final victory over Mayfield Mystics – a premiership triumph that rates high on her list of career achievements.
Brooke has represented Nelson Bay at the Netball NSW Senior State titles in both the 17yrs and Open categories, and in the Hunter Regional League series.
Unbeaten Souths Ironbark completed a stellar season when they defeated a courageous Nelson Bay Nautics side 33-18 in the Newcastle Netball 17yrs Division Three grand final at National Park Courts.
By Chris KARAS
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