Gippsland Stars Celebrate Strong Group of 2026 VNL Debutants

The Gippsland Stars have continued to showcase the strength of their regional pathway program throughout the 2026 Victorian Netball League season, with a number of athletes making their VNL debuts across Championship, 23 & Under and Reserves levels.
Round 1 saw five players make their Championship debuts for the Gippsland Stars, with Abbey Barrientos, Jordan Pyle, Keighley Starrett, Sam Silvester and Abby Williams all pulling on the Stars dress for the first time at the competition’s highest level.
The 23 & Under program also welcomed a new wave of talent, with Lara Noblett, Marley Wallace, Mia Arnberger, Mia Williams and Tyla Peters all making both their Gippsland Stars and Victorian Netball League debuts during the opening rounds of the season.
Additional debutants throughout the year have highlighted the continued success of the Gippsland Stars development pathway, with several athletes progressing through the State Super Netball Series and development programs into VNL competition.
Lainey Downie became player 45 to represent Gippsland Stars at VNL level after progressing through the Stars development pathway and SSNS Eastern Premiership programs before earning a 2026 23 & Under contract.
Amber Holt followed shortly after, becoming player 46 to represent the Gippsland Stars at VNL level in Round 4.
Chloe Felsbourg then became player 47 at VNL level after also progressing through the Gippsland Stars pathway system and SSNS programs into the 23 & Under side.
Reagan Joyce became player 48 to represent Gippsland Stars at VNL level after captaining the 2026 VNL Reserves side and developing through the Stars pathway since year one.
The Gippsland Stars also celebrated Heidi Allen stepping up from the 19 & Under program to make her VNL Reserves debut after being recognised as the 2025 17 & Under Rising Star.
The continued emergence of new VNL athletes reflects the Gippsland Stars’ ongoing commitment to providing elite pathway opportunities for regional athletes and developing the next generation of Gippsland netball talent.