Super Netball record broken by 16yo school captain Eva Carneiro

A new record was set in Super Netball during round 11 as 16-year-old school captain Eva Carneiro debuted for the Giants, marking her as the youngest player in the league's history. Carneiro, who is also the NSW U17 captain and juggling her studies as an HSC student, played 20 minutes off the bench in the Giants' record-breaking loss. The Giants experienced their most significant defeat, falling 70-37 to the Adelaide Thunderbirds. This loss officially removes them from this season's title race, though the club is noted for developing local talent. The match also highlighted the presence of the league's only two First Nations players, Donnell Wallam and Leesa Mi Mi. In other games, the Melbourne Mavericks secured a 63-53 victory over the Sunshine Coast Lightning, strengthening their fourth-place position. The West Coast Fever defeated the Queensland Firebirds 69-51, a result that also ended the Firebirds' premiership hopes. The Firebirds played with black armbands to honor Leah Cummins, an artist who designed their themed dresses. The Melbourne Vixens clinched the Sargeant-McKinnis Cup for 2026 by beating the NSW Swifts 67-57, winning every quarter in the process. With only three rounds remaining before the finals and Commonwealth Games selections on the horizon, discussions are ongoing about potential national team call-ups, with Thunderbirds co-captain Georgie Horjus being a strong contender.

“

Leadership comes naturally to Giants defender Evalina Carneiro.