The ADF National Netball Carnival was held at the Sports Centre, Brisbane Entertainment Complex, Boondal from November 2-5.

About 120 players from all three services representing ACT, NSW, VIC, NT, NQLD and SQLD contested the ADF National Netball Women's and Mixed titles. All games were closely contested in a very tight competition. With the home-ground advantage, however, SQLD won the carnival in a clean sweep.

Although the ACT women's team was looking to defend its two-year reign, SQLD proved too strong in the semi-finals. SQLD went on to defeat NSW 38-34 in a closely fought grand final.

SQLD also won the mixed competition for the second year in a row. The mixed grand final ended in a draw at 27-27, reflecting the close competition throughout the carnival. After 10 minutes extra time, SQLD emerged victors by four goals 35-31.

The standard of play reflected the growing interest of netball within the ADF particularly amongst men. In fact, next year's carnival will include a men's competition as well the usual ladies and mixed competitions.

The most valued player for the women's competition was awarded to FLTLT Keren McNamara from NSW. LAC Dean Burke from NQLD won most valued player for the mixed.

During the carnival, an all-star team of men and women was selected. The men selected were: GNR Matt Rugendyke (NT), SIG Matt Weyling (SQLD), CPL Craig Howell (SQLD), SIG Ed Scott (ACT), PTE Michael Geurts (SQLD), LAC Dean Burke (NQLD), and SGT Wayne Winterton (NSW). The women selected were: LT Erica Rayward (NT), FLTLT Keren McNamara (NSW), SMN Sally Gibbons (ACT), LT Carla Watts (ACT), LT Amanda Dewar (SQLD), PTE Amy Hall, (SQLD), and LACW Megan Anderson (NSW).

An extra 26 players were also selected to make up a squad of 20 men and 20 women. Teams will be selected from this squad to compete in the Arafura Games 19-26 May 2001 and the All Australian Men's National Netball Championships in April 2001.

If you are interested in playing ADF netball, please contact your state representative or the new President of the ADFNA, MAJ Matt Hopcraft on 02 6921 0460 or at Matthew.Hopcraft@defence.gov.au.